A past long forgotten
Part I: Strangers
A commercial airliner makes its way across the continent of Asia. Onboard are the regular rank and file that you would find on any regular flight; stewardesses, passengers sleeping, others reading, others enjoying the entertainment and others staring out the window. Yes it was just a regular flight...at least to those who didn't know any better.
As the captain finished his address, pointing out important landmarks like the great wall of China and informing them of other trivial information like airspeed, altitude and such one person on the plane found all this a might too aggravating.
Voice: I can't believe this. I get stuck with a babysitting job after all this. I'm supposed to be working on project E not playing nursemaid to the commander's son.
She looks over at the prone form of a five year old child sleeping in the large chair next to her.
Woman (thinking): Still.....he is such a cute little boy.
She runs her hand trough his hair. A small giggle from the child is the result but he continues to sleep.
Voice: You're going to be ok Shinji.
A young Ritsuko Akagi rests her head against the headrest of her chair, she take one last look around the first class cabin area before folding her arms across her lap, closing her eyes and drifting into a deep sleep. The aircraft banked slightly and continued on its way, all its passengers unaware that two key figures to humankind's survival were on that plane that day.
The scene changes to a large house in the countryside. Although it wasn't like the farm estates of old as the second impact had done a real job on raising property values.....being that there was not a much property space as there was almost six years ago. However it still had a substantial yard, luscious and green as was the rest of the neighborhood in this peaceful village.
In that yard of that particular house was a small girl with rather long auburn hair in two pigtails playing a stuffed animal. She continues her carefree manner in a world that was now full of turmoil, suffering and anger. Yet regardless of this and the tragedy of the year 2000 her manner is unwavering. That is until she is called.
*Voice (from inside the house): Asuka!
The girl looks up from her doll and into the open front door of the house.
*Asuka (happily): Yes mamma!
*Voice (still from inside): Could you come inside my child?
*Asuka (dropping her doll): Yes mamma!
The girl energetically skips inside to find her mother of which she is the spitting image of except she is much younger and has pigtails sitting at the table with a cup of tea. Asuka merrily makes her way to her booster chair and sits up looking at her mother while kicking her feet under the table.
*Kyoko: Please don't kick your feet honey.
*Asuka (apologetically): Sorry mamma.
She sits completely still, her gaze still locked solely on her mother.
*Kyoko: Thankyou dear.
Slowly Kyoko finishes her tea and then returns Asuka's gaze who is still looking happily at her. Kyoko gather's her thoughts then begins to speak.
*Kyoko: Asuka....are you happy?
Asuka wastes no time in her reply.
*Asuka: Of course mamma.
*Kyoko: But you are always by yourself. There aren't many children around here.
*Asuka: I don't mind much mamma.
*Kyoko: But....would you like a playmate?
Yet again Asuka's reply comes unfalteringly.
*Asuka: Yes mamma that would be fun!
*Kyoko (smiling): Thats good to hear.
*Asuka: What's happening mamma?
*Kyoko: He should be arriving in an hour or so.
*Asuka: Who?
*Kyoko (sighing happily): Sometimes even you can be a little bit blind Asuka.
At this point in the conversation Asuka is completely lost, however she makes no indications that she is confused. Kyoko gives her a reassuring smile and speaks again.
*Kyoko: Your playmate Asuka.
*Asuka (slightly confused and yet excited): He's coming here today?!
Kyoko nods adding to Asuka's excitement and clearing her confusion.
*Kyoko: We have to go to the airport to pick him up soon.
*Asuka (confused again): He's real isn't he?
Kyoko laughs yet again adding to Asuka's confusion.
*Kyoko: He's a real person not a toy.
Asuka blushes at that remark and gives her mother still another confused look.
*Kyoko: We have to go get him because he is coming by airplane from Japan.
*Asuka (biting her lip): I won't understand him.
*Kyoko: Have you been looking at your japanese like a good girl?
*Asuka: Yes mamma.
*Kyoko (standing): Then you should have no problems.
*Asuka (climbing down off her chair): Where are you going mamma?
*Kyoko: To fix Shinji's room for him.
*Asuka: Is he coming to stay?
*Kyoko (smiling again): Yes. Now are you going to help me?
Asuka almost jumps at this remark. A friend.....a friend that would live with her. He couldn't leave her.
*Asuka (excitedly): Yes...yes mamma!
She runs off after her mother who is already halfway up the stairs.
Far away from the hassles of children and all the other problems associated with them stands Gendo Ikari in front of one particular giant purple humanoid battle platform. On the side of its shoulder has the label EVA-01 and as usual it remains in a large pool of coolant fluid. It's lifeless eyes still burn down on the man who returns the same emotionless gaze.
A small clanging can be heard coming over the metal walkway. Gendo does not turn his head and continues to give the Evangelion his full attention. Yet uncannily he already knows who is coming towards him out of the hundred's of personnel who walk this way in a day.
Gendo: Fuyutsuki.
The former professor stands beside Gendo on his right also facing the giant biomechanical beast.
Gendo: I know what you are thinking.
Fuyutsuki: Is that possible?
Gendo: It is rather my dear professor. It is rather easy to read you.
Fuyutsuki: You give yourself too much credit sometimes.
Gendo actually smiles at that remark.
Gendo: Perhaps.....perhaps indeed.
Fuyutsuki: However in this case I believe you are correct.
Gendo: You mean....Shinji.
Fuyutsuki: Don't you believe it was rather brash to send him to Germany so soon?
Gendo: I cannot care for him and he is such an emotional child.
Fuyutsuki gives Gendo a quizzical stare then returns his gaze to the Evangelion while Gendo's has remained unwavering.
Fuyutsuki: There's something more is there not?
Gendo: Again I see you have done your homework.
Fuyutsuki (grinning): Well you always keep me on my toes.
Gendo returns the grin but still does not look at Fuyutsuki.
Gendo: We are well aware of Shinji's....talent.
Fuyutsuki: Yes however why send him to her?
Gendo: Doctor Sohryu is head of the project E research in Germany and her daughter is a fourth level candidate.
Fuyutsuki: That I know she will be receiving her notice to commence pilot training soon. Even Rei has begun her training but Shinji.....
Gendo: I see no use pressuring the boy. Not yet.
Fuyutsuki: So you are going to let his gift go un-nurtured?
Gendo: In this case I believe it is like a wine.....it develops and becomes better as it ages without tampering.
Fuyutsuki: And what has led you to believe this.
Gendo takes a while to formulate his reply.
Gendo: In light of recent occurrences.....and my own expectations.
Fuyutsuki nods but is mentally shaking his head.
Fuyutsuki (thinking): Ikari you fool.
Gendo narrows his eyes almost as if he had read Fuyutsuki's thoughts. The older man noticing the change in his companion's manner decides that the time for talk has ended and he slowly makes his way back into the confines of the still being constructed NERV facility. As the blast doors to the Eva cage seal Gendo takes one step forward bringing him within reaching distance of the Eva. He places his right hand on the metal covering the Eva's head, he strokes it gently almost like he is caressing it.
Gendo: Yui.......I'm sorry.
Asuka watches the planes come and go from the airport tarmac from the upper level of the airport through the giant observation windows. She runs from one pane of glass to the next hauling herself up on the railings to get a better look, although she is tall for her age this airport was designed with older people in mind.
After what seems as an eternity of gazing out onto the populated tarmac she squints her eyes reading the serial number on the tail of a plane taxing towards the terminal. Excitedly she drops from her perch and runs to her mother who is sitting contentedly reading a book on the seats a few meters from the observation windows.
*Asuka (excitedly): Mamma, mamma I saw the plane.
Kyoko looks up and smiles at her daughter. Before she can say anything the PA system comes online.
*Announcer: Flight 303 from Tokyo-3 is arriving at gate 14. Repeat, flight 303 from Tokyo-3 is arriving at gate 14.
*Asuka: That's him mamma!
*Kyoko (smiling): Yes it is Asuka.
Eagerly Asuka takes her mother's outstretched hand and walks down to the ground level of the airport making their way along the rows till they reach gate 14. There they wait, Asuka's impatience grows larger as she grips her mother's hand tighter while Kyoko looks down at her daughter smiling again.
Finally the doors slide open and people begin to pour out of the opening, Asuka cannot see through the crowds and becomes slightly concerned.
*Asuka: Mamma, what if he can't see us?
*Kyoko: Don't worry. We'll find him.
As the crowd begins to thin and finally become no-existent Asuka and Kyoko are left in front of the doorway still waiting. Asuka is ready to turn away angrily when a young woman with marone hair and a blue dress steps out holding the hand of a small boy wearing a striped T-shirt and blue shorts.
Kyoko (smiling): Ritsuko.
Ritsuko: Dr Sohryu.
Kyoko: Oh we can drop the formalities Ritsuko we're all friends here.
Ritsuko (slightly startled): Oh....okay Kyoko.
Kyoko: Thats better.
She looks down at the small boy gripping Ritsuko's hand tightly with his fingers in his mouth trying to remain un-noticed.
Kyoko (smiling): And who is this cutie?
Ritsuko: This is the famous Shinji Ikari. The commander's son.
Kyoko takes Shinji's other hand from his mouth and warmly grips it.
Kyoko (friendly): Hello Shinji.....I'm Kyoko.
The boy makes no motions or any sounds for a moment but he slowly looks up and see's her warm gaze. Finally he smiles and gives a small laugh. Before anything else could be said Asuka finally pushes through the two adults and stands in front of Shinji who instinctively shrinks back.
Asuka (excitedly): I'm Asuka...you'll be staying with us.
She eagerly gives the boy a small hug, while Asuka has her eyes closed and she grips him Shinji looks up at the other two women looking rather scared. Ritsuko and Kyoko give a small laugh.
Kyoko (laughing): Well Asuka has always come off very strongly.
Ritsuko (laughing): It seems Shinji isn't used to this sort of treatment.
The two then watch as Asuka continues her embrace with the young Ikari. Finally she relents and looks at him.
*Asuka (looking back at her mother): Not much to look at.
*Kyoko: It didn't stop you before.
Asuka looks a little annoyed at that remark but it is soon replaced by a smile. With that she grabs Shinji's arm and starts to drag the helpless boy out of the airport.
Asuka: Comeon the sooner we get home, the sooner we can play.
Shinji (weakly): Help.
Asuka pulls Shinji outside towards the car leaving the other two women a little flabbergasted in the terminal. Ritsuko goes over to pick up the luggage that had been left on the conveyor belt for over ten minutes.
Kyoko: I'm sure Shinji will come around. I think she likes him.
Ritsuko: I hope you're right. I don't think Shinji can take much more of this.
The two women give slight nods and walk out to the car.
Upon their return to the house in the village Asuka drags Shinji out of the car and into the house.
Asuka: Comeon slowpoke.
Shinji: I....I.....I
Asuka pulls him inside and up the stairs to his room while Kyoko and Ritsuko are just entering the house.
Ritsuko: She sure does have a lot of enthusiasm.
Kyoko: She's never really had anyone around with her before...not on terms like this.
Ritsuko: She seems rather thrilled at the prospect.
Kyoko: Well Asuka has been looking for someone her age to relate to. It looks as if Shinji is the answer to this.
Ritsuko (chuckling): Whether he wants it or not.
Both women give a short round of laughter as they hear Asuka pulling Shinji about the house. Shinji gives small cries of protest but Asuka doesn't listen. Ritsuko drops Shinji's two suitcases and shakes her arms.
Kyoko: Feel like some tea?
Ritsuko: Sure that would be great.
The two make their way to the kitchen leaving the bags on the floor just as Asuka bounds down the stairs pulling Shinji with her. Asuka expertly weaves around the baggage while Shinji is not so lucky and runs headlong into a rather large suitcase. Noticing Shinji is no longer in her grip Asuka turns around noticing an arm around the side of a suitcase, she walks around the object and finds Shinji molded onto the front of the suitcase.
*Asuka: Clumsy.
She yanks on Shinji's hair to pull him off the case, in doing so the stunned boy flops to the floor almost dragging Asuka down with him. Shinji lies stiff as a board on the floor with his eyes boggling as Asuka looks down at him rather annoyed.
Shinji: S....sorry.
Asuka looks as if she is about to kill him when her face breaks into a small smile.
Asuka: That's ok.
She offers a hand to help Shinji up but just as he grips her hand and puts his weight on it she yanks it back causing Shinji to crash to the floor again. Asuka giggles while Shinji attempts to get up again rubbing his backside.
Asuka (giggling): Silly.
Shinji (distantly): Y...yeah.
As the two children talk and argue in the next room Ritsuko and Kyoko sit down at the kitchen table with their cups of tea quietly chatting to one another.
Kyoko: So Ritsuko how long will you being staying with us?
Ritsuko: Well the commander gave me this job since I wouldn't be doing much lately until the programming of Caspar is completed.
Kyoko: Ah so your mother has almost completed the Magi system?
Ritsuko: It's only days away from having the power turned on and running at full capacity. I want to be on hand for that historic moment.
Kyoko takes a sip of tea nodding.
Kyoko: The first seventh generation computer that can learn and adapt for itself. Tell me is it not also supposed to take over the daily running of Tokyo-3 not to mention the city administration?
Ritsuko: That and even advise Gehirn...I mean NERV on tactical operations and basic administration.
Kyoko gives Ritsuko a strange look then returns to her tea.
Kyoko: Your mother should be commended. It has been years since I have talked with her.
Ritsuko (giving a slight smile): Well project E has its different demands. She has her's, you have your's......
Kyoko (interrupting): And soon you shall have yours.
Ritsuko nods again taking a small gulp form her tea. Suddenly the sound of both Shinji and Asuka laughing in the hallway can be heard and Kyoko gives a small smile.
Kyoko: I think he will fit in very well around here.
Ritsuko (sighing): I hope so. He was pretty taken aback when......
Kyoko (finishing Ritsuko's sentence): When she didn't return.
Ritsuko (playing with her half full cup): A 400% syncronisation......total absorption. Was that...an accident?
Kyoko (becoming more serious): All my research involving unit two has led to me believe that there are many things we still don't know about the Eva's. Even after all this time and even more years of research I don't believe we shall unlock them all. It was......no accident.
Ritsuko just stares at the woman to the side of her.
Kyoko (trying to sound optomisitc): But I'm going to try. And I believe you shall also be able to carry on the work as the original research team passes on.
Ritsuko: I hope so.
An uneasy silences falls between the two. After several minutes of quiet as the children have gone outside Ritsuko finds the strength to speak again.
Ritsuko: Your original question.....my flight leaves for Tokyo-3 in two days. I'm just here for a while to settle Shinji in.
Kyoko: He seems to trust you.
Ritsuko: I was....all he had.
Kyoko (finishing her tea): I'm sure everything will be better for him and everyone from now on.
Ritsuko (softly): I hope so.
Asuka: Get down here now dummy!
Asuka stamps and yells at the foot of a rather large tree which Shinji is presently halfway up climbing literally for his life.
Asuka: Come down!
Shinji finally finds a stable branch and sits down on it. Finally he casts his gaze downwards the the annoyed girl below him who is trying to throw sticks and rocks at him but cannot get them to reach him that high up.
Asuka (stomping her feet): Get down here now you stupid monkey!
Shinji (shaking his head): No...way.
Asuka: I'm gonna tell!
Still Shinji refuses to climb down. Releasing there was only two options left open to her and she didn't particuallary want to go and ask her mother or Ritsuko for assistance she decides to climb up the tree after Shinji.
However it becomes rather clear despite all her other talents climbing is not one of them. As she finds a few footholds her unsteady grip is not enough to hold her quivering mass that is her body and she slips back down. After several more attempts Asuka finds she does not have the ability to persue Shinji up said tree. After giving it some thought Asuka finds a third option to the situation and quickly runs inside. Shinji remains up the tree rather content as he knows that there is nothing Asuka can do to get him out of the tree. Or was there.....and suddenly worries began to plague his mind.
After several minutes Asuka comes out with what looks like a picture frame of some sorts. She targeted that because it was done in gold borders with polished wood. The frame looked extremely expensive and the picture also looked rather precious as well. She reaches the foot of the tree again hiding what she has discovered behind her back.
Asuka: Mooonnnkkkeeeyyyy boooooyyyyyy!
Shinji is rather startled and almost falls out of the tree but hangs on. Finally he gathers the courage to look down. Asuka gives him an evil smile which unsettles the young boy.
Asuka (gleefully): Guess what I have!
Shinji racks his brains with all his thought trying to figure out what she might have. All his thoughts dwell back to one item that he asked Ritsuko to pack extra carefully. He looks back down at Asuka with dread smeared all over his face.
Shinji (scared): A...p...p...p...picture?
Asuka: Monkey is smart then!
She gloatingly holds up the expensive photo of Shinji and Yui smiling next to a cherry tree in full bloom. Shinji's heart sinks when he see's his most prized possession in the hands of the little devil girl.
Shinji (suddenly angered): Give that back!
Asuka (clutching the picture to her front): Not unless you come down!
Shinji (still annoyed): Ok.
Shinji reluctantly climbs down from his perch. Stopping every so often to check on Asuka and the picture until he reaches the ground.
Shinji (reaching out for the photo): Now give it back.
Asuka holds the photo frame even tighter.
Asuka: Not until you say sorry.
Shinji sighs then looks at Asuka again.
Shinji (softly): I'm....sorry for climbing tree.
Asuka (powerfully): Better.
She finally relents control of the photo to Shinji who hugs it tightly making it seem as if it is a person he longs to hold again in his arms. Tears start to form in Shinji's eyes and he runs inside leaving Asuka on the lawn wondering what she had done wrong.
Asuka (to herself): Shinji.
In the bowels of the commander center, namely to operations room where the three supercomputers wait to be activated sits Dr Naoko Akagi aimlessly typing away at her computer console. Once finishes her typing she picks up a clipboard and begins to tick off items on her printed checklist while co-ordinating her efforts with the readouts on the computer monitor. One finishing the first page she leafs through the projected readouts on the following pages then returns to the checklist. It seems the scientist is so involved with her work she doesn't notice the door slide open and a man step into the newly constructed command center.
Voice: Hello doctor.
Naoka swivels in her chair quickly to see who it was. She breathes a sigh if relief as she see's who it is.
Naoko: Good afternoon professor.
Fuyutsuki: Actually is evening now.
Naoko sighs as Fuyutsuki leans on one of the free chairs.
Fuyutsuki (absently): However it is rather difficult to keep track of time down here is it not?
Naoko: Well with all the money we are using up you'd think we could get a few more clocks installed around the facility.
Fuyutsuki (chuckling): I really should have made up a suggestion box and put it outside Ikari's door.
Both scientists laugh at the joke but soon regain their serious composure. Fuyutsuki takes a quick glance at Naoko's clipboard then at the computer monitor.
Fuyutsuki: Preparing for the Magi activation tomorrow?
Naoko: Well you know...checks, primary checks, secondary checks, ancillary checks, system tests ever test under the sun done in triplicate.
Fuyutsuki: As Iam all too aware. Our good commander demands no less than complete perfection. I just hope the most advanced and powerful computer in existence is enough for him.
Naoko: Well it took us ten years to get this far. With the help of the Magi, who knows where we could be in the next ten.
Fuyutsuki: It truly is an interesting time to be alive.
Naoko nods in agreement.
Fuyutsuki: Speaking of Ikari's however....when is Ritsuko supposed to relinquish custody of Shinji?
Naoko: I'm surprised you don't know. It's already been completed and Ritsuko is coming back today ready for the activation tomorrow.
Fuyutsuki: I'm only delegated knowledge on either highest priority or lowest....never anywhere between and Shinji's case remains there.
Naoko makes no motions that she heard what Fuyutsuki since she had absorbed herself back in her checklists. Fuyutsuki notices that the woman has reverted back into her 'work' mode and takes his leave. He types in the command to have the door open and takes one last look behind him at the working woman.
Fuyutsuki (thinking): Ikari demands a high price from everyone....is it all worth it. Poor Naoko.
The door slides shut leaving the woman alone with the computer she has given most of her life to create.
Shinji: Ritsu?
Ritsuko Akagi stands on the garden path facing the doorway where Shinji stands gripping the doorframe with his small hands.
Ritsuko: I'm sorry Shinji I have to go back.
Shinji (softly): Why?
Ritsuko: I have important work back home.
Shinji: Father?
Ritsuko (softly): Yes.
Shinji almost looks as if he is going to break down and cry at the mentioning of his 'beloved' father figure. Ritsuko notices this and desperately racks her mind for some comforting words.
Ritsuko: Shinji.....you have Asuka and her mother now. You can play all day with Asuka and not have to worry.
At the mentioning of her name Asuka appears in the doorway next to Shinji.
Asuka (brightly): Yeah thats right!
Asuka gives Shinji a playful nudge in the shoulder although a bit overeager which cases Shinji to hold his shoulder for a brief moment in pain. His eyes look pleadingly at Ritsuko.
Ritsuko: I'm......sorry Shinji.
Ritsuko picks up her bag and heads toward the car where Mr Soryu is waiting. She gets in and the car drives off leaving a teary eyed Shinji in the doorway with a confused Asuka looking at him.
*Asuka: Mamma Shinji is broken!
Kyoko comes out to the front hallway where Shinji stands not moving a muscle while a perplexed Asuka looks on.
Kyoko: Shinji?
Kyoko closes the gap between her and the child rather quickly and puts her hand on his small shoulder.
Kyoko: Shinji?
Shinji lets out a small sniffle but doesn't move. Kyoko spins Shinji around and takes him into her arms where Shinji begins to cry openly. Kyoko caresses his head with one hand while whispering soothing words into his ear.
Kyoko: It's going to be ok Shinji.....let it out.....let it all out.
Asuka looks on as her dearest mother embraces another child that isn't hers with the same and maybe even more affection than she has ever shown her. Her glare of jealously and anger finally softens into sympathy and concern when her eyes catch those of Shinji's, blue and teary. At this point Asuka feels like a third wheel and goes off to play in the garden......and thus began Shinji's settling in.
Several weeks later
Shinji and Asuka are playing in a sandbox in the back yard of the house. Shinji is taking a break from his sand castle which is falling down as he watches it however he doesn't care. He takes out a banana which he had stuffed in his pocket from breakfast that morning. Once he finishes peeling it Shinji begins to devour it hungrily.
Asuka (looking up from her castle): Hey Shinji....gimmie a bite.
Shinji (happily eating): No.
Asuka (looking rather innocently): Please.
Shinji (looking through her innocent ploy): No.
Asuka (getting rather annoyed): Gimmie a bite!
Shinji (slinking back slightly): N....no.
With that Asuka angrily gets up and swings her plastic spade at him. Shinji gulps down the last of the banana. Asuka see's the empty skin drop to the ground and her eyes burn with anger.
Asuka (angrily): Stupid monkey boy!
She lunges at Shinji with her spade while Shinji dodges just in time. She treads all over Shinji's half eroded sand castle.
Shinji: Hey!
He soon shuts up as Asuka swings the spade around again casing Shinji to crawl backwards into the far corner of the sandbox. As Asuka winds up for the finishing blow a small yellow object falls out her back dress pocket.
*Shinji (pointing): Banana!
Asuka (her head looking all around): Where?
Shinji points under her legs and she bends over and looks through her own legs at the banana lying in the sand. Asuka blushes while Shinji remains cringing. She turns around, drops her spade and picks up the banana. Skinning it carefully Asuka begins to take large bites out of it as she steps out of the sandbox and walks off humming some tune while eating the banana.
Shinji (getting up from his corner): Silly pigtail girl.
He begins digging in the sand for new material to build another sand castle with.
Shinji (shaking his head): Pigtails make brain silly.
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Episode 2 coming soon:
"Shinji and Asuka's bond grows stronger while a fate worse than death awaits Kyoko and what will happen when the Magi is activated....will it be historic or will it be a day of infamy?"
Any comments and criticisms are welcome.
Writer/Storyboard: Les Robb aka Rion (rion@dingoblue.net.au)
Storyboard/Editing: KoalaKiller (birdman@key.net.au)
NOTE: * means dialogue in German.
Disclaimer:
Neon Genesis Evangelion is owned and copyrighted by Gainax, all characters used from that series as well as familiar plot links and scenarios. All names are (TM) and (C) by their respective owners.