A past long forgotten
Part XII: Games meant for two
And now the conclusion to part 7.....
Kensuke: You sure we should be doing this?
Toji: Look, both of them have been missing for three days, Hikari won't tell us squat. This is the ONLY way.
Kensuke: Yeah, but what about NERV security and such?
The two boarded the elevator they had been waiting for, Toji pressed a button, and they stood beside each other for the journey up.
Toji: I dunno, Misato's a captain, isn't she? Wouldn't that mean even a little privacy from those suits?
Kensuke: I don't think so. Because she takes care of two of only three kids that can pilot Evas. Don't you think that's worth protecting?
Toji (rubbing his chin): Didn't think of it that way.
Kensuke (smirking): You just don't want a third party watching you when you tell Misato of your luuuurrrve for her.
Toji raised one eyebrow, letting the words fully sink in before he pinned Kensuke to one of the elevator's walls.
Toji (gritting his teeth): NOT, funny.
The sound of a punch being driven into Kensuke's stomach was masked by the particularly loud ding of the elevator, signaling that the designated floor had been reached. Of course that didn't stop Kensuke from moaning about it.
Toji (groaning): Oh stop whining, take it like a man.
Kensuke stumbled forward, clutching his stomach and moaning. Toji heard a gurgle, and then found out why it would not be such a good idea to hit Kensuke so hard in the stomach in the future.
Toji (yelling): MY SNEAKERS!
Reaching their designated floor the two boys disembarked, Toji holding his sneakers as far away from himself as possible, and Kensuke leaning against the wall, trying to inch forward. Finding the correct apartment was no trouble since all they had to do was follow the sounds of laughter and cursing. The two stopped outside the door and decided to listen for a few moments.
Female voice 1: Der idiot gesunken meinem Linienschiff!
Toji and Kensuke togeather: The demon.
Male voice: Sorry....
Toji and Kensuke togeather: Shinji.
Female voice 2: Perhaps, if you tried changing tactics Asuka.
Toji and Kensuke togeather: Misato.
Female voice 3: Hey, someone's at the door.
Toji and Kensuke together: Hik...ahhhhh!
The two weren't able to finish their sentence before the door slid to the side, removing their only form of leverage. They fell into a heap in the doorway, at the feet of Hikari.
Hikari (calling into the next room): We've got visitors.
Asuka: Haha! No more aircraft carrier Ikari!
Shinji bowed his head, not in defeat, but from building frustration, which was born from playing twenty straight games of battleship that morning alone. While the two continued to play, Toji turned to Misato who was sitting cross-legged on the floor with Hikari beside her, both in casual clothing.
Toji (pointing his thumb at Shinji and Asuka): They've been doing this for three days straight?
Misato: Well aside from syncronization training, meditation sessions, games of chess, chinese checkers, other team building and trust exercises...yep!
Toji: Team building and trust exercises?!
Hikari (grinning): It's been quite a sight. Picture Asuka blindfolded, and Shinji has to tell her how to get around the room, without bumping into anything.
Toji: Didn't go so well huh?
Hikari (giggling): Not at all.
Misato: Now, now Hikari, it hasn't been that funny.
Hikari (bowing her head): Sorry captain.
Misato (smiling): It's been hilarious.
The two began to giggle uncontrollably, Toji rolled his eyes and looked over at Kensuke who was slumped in another corner of the room, studying PenPen carefully. Although it was more like the other way round.
Shinji: B9.
Asuka (grumbling): Hit.
Shinji: C9.
Asuka (grumbling more): Hit.
Shinji: D9.
Asuka looked up from her board and in the direction of Shinji who was smiling weakly. His smile quickly turned into apprehension as Asuka flicked the piece off her board with a small grunt.
Asuka (darkly): Sunk.
Shinji (thinking): She's over the moon one moment, then ready to kill me the next.
Shinji (nervously): Um...who's hungry?
Asuka (muttering): Feigling.
However Shinji was already halfway to the kitchen and did not catch Asuka's insult. As Shinji walked by, Hikari quickly got to her feet and began to tail Shinji.
Hikari (softly): Uh..need some help Shinji?
Shinji (blushing slightly): ..sure.
The two proceeded to the kitchen while the rest of the room looked on in amazement. Asuka broke the silence by slamming her palm on the table, then marching off to her room.
Toji (to Misato): What was that all about?
Misato nervously took a sip of beer before looking back up to the curious boy.
Misato: Oh....Shinji, kinda well...has won ten games in a row.
Toji: Oh.
Fuyutsuki: I see the United Nations has requested another inquiry into NERV actions.
Gendo Ikari grunted and nodded slightly to acknowledge the statement of his companion. It seemed his concentration was elsewhere as he watched the passing city from behind the 5mm bulletproof glass of the limo.
Fuyutsuki: I wonder how they got their hands on this little piece of information.
The sub-commander tossed a rather thick folder onto the seat opposite him. The folder was labeled 'Revival project'. This time Gendo did not even make a sound, or move a muscle, short of breathing.
Fuyutsuki (casually): I also hear that the fourth child is back in the care of captain Katsuragi, and is undergoing training with the second.
Gendo: That was not to be doubted.
Rather surprised that he was able to secure a reaction from his colleague, Fuyutsuki decided to press further.
Fuyutsuki: How were you so sure? Your son has always been so.....reluctant.
Gendo (smirking slightly): He always comes back.
Ritsuko idly tapped the plastic shell of her keyboard as she tried to concentrate on the image on the computer screen in front of her. She picked up a cup of coffee with her left hand and took a sip, she then put the cup down and sighed while resting her head on her palm. The door to her office then slowly creaked open, however the scientist was completely oblivious to her surroundings as she had temporarily lost interest with what was on her screen.
Maya: What are you working on ma'am?
Ritsuko: Oh...just trying to figure out a jigsaw puzzle.
Maya (surprised): Ma'am?
Ritsuko: Nothing really. Do you have those blood reports with you?
Maya looks down into her arms where she holds several folders, stacked neatly on top of one another.
Maya: Oh...yes, here.
She placed the stack of folders on a vacant space on the rather crowded desk, populated with cat figurines, papers, unwashed mugs and other assorted items.
Ritsuko: Hmm?
Maya (blushing): Oh..um....I'll get these washed for you.
Ritsuko gave a small nod and returned her gaze back to the computer screen while Maya quickly gathered up all the unused mugs and left without another word.
Ritsuko: Quite a jigsaw puzzle indeed.
Kensuke: Ok I can understand the synch training, and all the other stuff. But why are they playing battleship?
Misato directed her eyes over to the resumed game of battleship. It seemed that Shinji had made a hit on another of Asuka's fleet, as the enraged girl was in the process of attempting to throw her sandwich at a cowering Shinji Ikari.
Misato: Oh...um, it's about tactical positioning.
Kensuke: Ahhh I see, it all adds up now.
Hikari (surprised): What do you mean?
Kensuke: Well think about it. Taking on the angel head on didn't work, so timed attacks from pre-organised positions in order to heard the angel where you want to.
Misato: Have you been looking in my files again?
Kensuke (blushing slightly): No ma'am.
Misato: Well long story short, yes.
Saying that Misato opened another can of beer and took a large swig. While drinking she took a look at her watch.
Misato: Ok you two, it's time for your meditation.
However Asuka was busy strangling Shinji who weakly tried to defend himself.
Misato (frowning): Can't we ever start a session without you choking Shinji?
Ritsuko (over the phone): So how's it going over there anyway?
Misato peered through the crack in the doorway to see Shinji and Asuka sitting cross-legged on the floor with their eyes closed.
Misato (into the phone): Well...better now.
Ritsuko (over the phone): Been a bit of a handful hmm?
Misato (into the phone): Oh shut up.
Ritsuko (over the phone): We're depending on those kids you know.
Misato (into the phone): It's a bit complicated. I mean Asuka's only doing this because I threatened to put Hikari on the program. I don't even know if unit two would even synch with her. And Shinji....well he's only doing this because he feels he has no other choice.
Ritsuko (over the phone): Didn't you two clear that up the last time he tried to leave?
Misato (into the phone): Uhh...not exactly.
Ritsuko (over the phone): Then what exactly Misato?
Misato (into the phone): Well...when I went to catch him at the train station, I saw the train he was supposed to leave on pull out of the station. It was about then that I believed I had missed him.
Ritsuko (over the phone): Uh-huh, you told me that part.
Misato (into the phone): It didn't exactly go all lovey dovey, I kinda let him have it that night.
Ritsuko (over the phone): Misato you didn't?!
Misato (into the phone): I didn't mean to get drunk and lose my temper. But I guess I did, I remember telling him to straighten up and stop being such a coward. I...I really think I hurt his feelings that night. But...I was drunk and frustrated, he would have known right?
Ritsuko (over the phone): I couldn't really say Misato. But he seemed to get over it didn't he.
Misato (into the phone): It seemed that way. But I guess with all the drama over Asuka telling him that I didn't want to live with him anymore, has made him lose his faith in me. Honestly...I think I'm losing him Ritsuko.
Ritsuko (over the phone): I can actually see where Shinji is coming from there.
Misato (into the phone): You can?
Ritsuko (over the phone): It's a long story Misato. I'll tell you sometime.
Misato (into the phone): I'll hold you to that.
Ritsuko (over the phone): I'll keep that in mind ok. I have to go now ok?
Misato (into the phone): Yeah..bye.
Gendo was becoming more and more familiar with the general assembly hall of the new United Nations administration center. He was already becoming rather bored with the whole prospect of having to appear to SEELE, the UN was beneath even them. The table he and Fuyutsuki were placed behind was already known as the table of shadows, it's blood red insignia a constant reminder of who would be seated behind that piece of furniture.
Secretary General: You are aware of why we have requested your appearance before this assembly?
Gendo remained seated with his hands interlocked below his nose. Noticing his partner's inaction Fuyutsuki keyed his microphone.
Fuyutsuki: Yes we are.
Before Fuyutsuki could even be seated a man from the American table rose angrily.
American Representative: Then explain to us why we have reports of you cloning humans?!
Fuyutsuki: I have read the reports and it is nothing but circumstantial evidence.
American Representative: We have detailed files on extensive research into the human genome, wide scale blood sampling, hell we've even seen pictures of cloning tanks for gods sake!
Fuyutsuki: We receive the files, research and reports from the Marduke institute all on potential pilot candidates. We have reason to believe that the capability for piloting an Evangelion is contained within specific human genes.
English Representative: Once more with this Marduke institute, if they are the one from which this data was obtained from, why are you here instead of them?
Fuyutsuki gulped and looked as if he would have wanted to straighten his tie tie if he had one. As the professor began his reply, Gendo finally interjected.
Gendo: The Marduke institute only gathers such data, we are the ones putting it to use.
American Representative: You still haven't answered to the first allegation of cloning human beings, which has been strictly prohibited.
Gendo: It has not occurred.
Secretary General: But then, that's NERV's word. And from previous history your word has not been worth much, you hide too much from the world, and us. Therefore I propose a new inquiry into NERV actions.
Fuyutsuki: I do not see the need for such an inquiry as you have been given all the information.
Secretary General: We will not review NERV reports and records this time. My proposal is for a combined team of inspectors to review NERV itself.
Upon saying this, many representatives rose from their seats voicing their approval of the Secretary General. Fuyutsuki ran a hand through his hair, visibly shaken, while Gendo remained unphased.
The buzzer signaling that the children had gone out of synch sounded again. Asuka was obviously very annoyed, while Shinji looked apologetic.
Asuka (angrily): You're always so slow!
Shinji: I'm sorry, but I was going as fast as I could.
Asuka: Well it's not fast enough, is it?!
Shinji (weakly): You know, you could try going slower.
Asuka's temper seemed to flare at Shinji's sign of resistance.
Asuka: You idiot, it takes speed and skill to defeat an angel, not slowness and incompetence!
Shinji: It also takes brains and tactics; if I recall last time you still got clobbered!
Asuka: Well Mr careful you still got whacked as well!
The two had their foreheads pressed against each other's, while they growled angrily at one another.
Misato (interrupting): Which is why we have to combine the two attributes togeather this time, with some control!
The two jumped apart the instant they heard their guardian finish her sentence. Each teenager looked at Misato with a different expression, Asuka with one of contempt, Shinji with one of remorse.
Asuka (crossing her arms): Well if Shinji would at least try and keep up with me then...
Misato (angrily): THEN what exactly? It's pretty obvious he can't keep up with you, or he would! I'm seriously considering teaming Shinji up with Hikari.
Asuka (smugly): In a half-finished unit zero? Because there's not a chance in hell she'd get in my unit two.
Misato (furious): It's better than you, and you're precious unit two at this stage!
Asuka looked very hurt at that remark. Her eyes seemed to want to show tears, but Asuka wouldn't let them, her mouth quivered and her fists shook. For a moment she regained her composure to give Misato one lingering look, before quickly walking out of the room.
Misato: Asuka you come back here right now!
The two still gathered in the living room hear the door slide open, then shut again. Both of them sighed.
Misato (apologetic): I...guess I overreacted huh?
She turned to where she believed she saw Shinji previously, but only found PenPen looking up at her. The sound of the door opening and closing again could be heard.
Misato (sighing): Guess it's just you and me huh?
PenPen cocked his head to the side and gave a light squawk.
Shinji and Hikari sat side by side on an armored railing overlooking the bay. In the setting sun the two watched the JSSDF gunboats patrol in lazy circles around the rapidly healing form of the angel. It seemed that the two had been sitting there for quite some time, without a word even been exchanged.
Hikari (still looking out over the bay): Fight with Asuka again huh?
Shinji (sighing): Yeah.
The two sat in silence for several more moments.
Hikari: But there's more to it than that right?
Shinji: I don't know Hikari....it's just...difficult, living with them youknow?
Hikari: But you used to get along well with captain Katsuragi before didn't you?
Shinji (blushing): Ah, yes and no.
Hikari: But?
Shinji: I dunno....it just seems like we've.....drifted apart somehow.
Silence fell once more between the two.
Hikari (suddenly serious): Do you trust her?
Shinji (unsure): Well when we're in combat and since she's a....
Hikari: I didn't say do you trust her as a tactician. I meant her, as a person.
Shinji: Well.....
Hikari (slightly annoyed): Come on Shinji, this has dragged on too long. Do you, or don't you?
The young Ikari took a deep breath and stared at his companion for a few lingering seconds.
Shinji: Yes.....I guess I do.
Hikari mentally let out a sigh of relief.
Hikari (thinking): One down, one to go.
Shinji merely looked at the girl beside him, who looked as if she had something more on her mind.
Shinji (embarrassed): Um?
Hikari (surprised): Oh...I'm sorry Shinji.
Shinji (head down): It's just....that you...well you looked like....you had something to say.
Hikari: Yes....and this one could be a big one Shinji.
Shinji (blushing): Oh...okay.
Hikari: It's...about Asuka Shinji.
Shinji immediately froze upon hearing the name Hikari had uttered.
Shinji (nervously): Y-yes?
Hikari took a moment to consider her words carefully.
Hikari: Do you....hate Asuka?
Shinji: Well....I-I wouldn't say hate...but...well....
Hikari (frowning): Shinji.
Shinji: It's...it's not that I hate her, more like....I don't really...understand her.
Hikari was taken back by the remark Shinji made. She could only shake her head in disbelief.
Shinji (intertwining his fingers): I know I should be mad with her, all the name calling, the chores and the other problems. But somehow I just can't be angry with her, well not permantly.
Hikari (softly): But you said that you didn't....understand her.
Shinji (blushing again): I'm....not even sure what I mean there.
Silence falls on the two teenagers once more, except this time it isn't forced; more like each has a lot to think about. Finally Hikari broke the silence once more.
Hikari: I should...get home now.
Shinji: Yeah...me too. I guess I kinda left in a hurry.
They both stood up and looked in their respective destinations.
Hikari: And what about Asuka?
Shinji (slightly confused): Huh?
Hikari: You told me she left in a bit of a huff.
Shinji: Oh...yeah.
Hikari: Maybe you should go talk to her, and then maybe see if you can smooth things over with Misato.
Shinji only gave Hikari a rather apprehensive look.
Hikari (giving a small smile): Or at least try to.
Asuka (aggressively): How did you find me fourth child?
Shinji: Well...uhhh....I asked around for a red haired girl in a.....leotard.
Both teens blushed at Shinji's comment, Asuka's was brief and she immediately returned to her hard glare before looking back towards the city, munching on a sandwich. Shinji could only sit on the nearby bench and watch her.
Asuka: Misato sent you this time huh?
Shinji cringed at the mentioning of his guardian, but quickly shook it off.
Shinji (quietly): N-no.
Asuka turned and gave Shinji a curious look. Shinji blushed and avoided Asuka's gaze by staring at the ground.
Asuka: So, why did you come then?
Shinji raised his head to meet Asuka's curious eyes, but said nothing. Almost as if he was trying to communicate with her beyond talking, because his apprehensiveness would not let him speak, even if he wanted to. Asuka turned around and leaned heavily on the support railing.
Asuka (grumbling): Yeah I know. Like you said, if they want me to pilot, I have no choice.
The two remained as they were for several minutes, until Asuka's nerve broke and she turned around, and took a can of soda from the shopping bag next to her feet. She popped the lid and took a large gulp.
Asuka: No matter what, I'll put both Hikari and Misato to shame for this.
Shinji (confused): B-but you don't have to squash them do you?
Asuka turned to face Shinji fully, her light blue eyes piercing into his dark blue counterparts.
Asuka: It's gone too far Shinji. I would have probably said you were on their side, but then you show up here. So maybe you're not all that bad. Just don't get cocky.
Shinji gave a weak grin, Asuka only shrugged it off and took another gulp of her soda.
Asuka: Out of curiosity Shinji, how many games of battleship have you played before we started this foolish training?
Shinji blushed and turned his head away from Asuka.
Shinji: Well..uhhh...
Asuka (narrowing her eyes): How many?
Shinji (nervously): Uh, none.
Asuka (furious): WHAT?!
Shinji didn't have time to reply, before Asuka's soda can made direct contact with his face.
Asuka (sighing): Ay least I still have chess and checkers up my sleeve.
Kaji (surprised): They've been getting along?
Misato shot the man beside her a dirty look, while sipping her drink.
Misato: Strangely enough, yes.
Kaji (grinning): My, my, seems as if miracles do happen after all.
Misato: Normally I wouldn't agree, but this time yeah. It's like they bit the bullet and accepted their fate.
Kaji took a moment to stir his drink, before letting a slight chuckle pass his lips.
Kaji (smirking): So I guess my plan might just work.
Misato Oh don't go patting yourself on the back just yet.
Kaji: Better now, than before an angel steps on me.
Misato (flatly): Please, don't get my hopes up.
Kaji (smiling innocently): Why Katsuragi, I didn't know you cared. And where exactly did you leave the kids anyway?
Misato: I left them at home meditating.
Kaji: You must have trained them well.
Misato (holding her drink): Oh yeah.
Asuka hummed a pleasant tune as she stepped out of the shower. Her accursed synch training would be all over tomorrow, and her next Eva piloting triumph would be accomplished, even if it was with the jerk in the other room.
Asuka: Where's Misato anyway?
Shinji (from the other room): She took off in a hurry. I think she said she had to work late.
The bathroom door slid back and Asuka popped her head out with a mischievous grin on her face.
Asuka (smirking): So, that means we're all alone tonight huh?
Shinji (nervously sweating): Uh....yeah.
Kaji: You still remember our agreement, right?
Misato (forcing a smile): Oh, of course.
Kaji (grinning mischievously): Well I know what kind of a welcher you are.
Misato (surprised): WHAT? You take that back!
Kaji (holding a hand up defensively): Sorry madam, but you know I'm right.
Misato turned away and put her glass to her lips.
Misato: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Kaji twiddled his thumbs for a few moments before he looked back at Misato.
Kaji: Oh I dunno, but I seem to remember a certain poker game back in university.
Misato could only scowl.
Shinji (uncertain): A-are you sure about this?
Asuka: Of course I'm sure, now come on!
Asuka bounced around a few times before letting loose with a side-kick directly at Shinji's stomach. The boy dodged just in time, Asuka recovered and formed back into a fighting stance, while Shinji kept his stance fairly loose. Asuka didn't give him time to anticipate her next move before she attacked again with a right arm punch, followed by a quick left jab, which Shinji both blocked and avoided.
Asuka (reforming her fighting stance): You always do this Shinji! Come on fight back!
Shinji: But isn't the aim of judo to avoid hurting your opponent?
Asuka: That's why we have the pads on. Now fight me!
Shinji barely had enough time to duck Asuka's powerful roundhouse kick.
Shinji: That isn't a judo move!
Asuka: Does it matter?!
Before Shinji could reply, Asuka attacked again with a snap kick aimed at Shinji's head. Reacting quickly enough Shinji was able to catch Asuka's foot and twist it away from him. This caused Asuka to stumble forward.
Shinji (concerned): Are you okay Asuka?
Asuka used Shinji's lapse in guard to sweep kick him off his feet. As Shinji lay on the ground, she stood up and put a foot on his chest pad, keeping him down.
Asuka: Are you going to fight me properly now?
Misato: That was not welching!
Kaji: You call trading a date for cash after you lost a hand. Then you never show up for it?
Misato: I was busy that night!
Kaji: I called Ritsuko, she told me you were in your room all night.
Misato: Well I'm sure you would have been used to getting stood up by then.
Kaji (grinning): We'll let that subject alone for the moment. The point is, I was right you welcher.
Misato gulped down another shot and slammed the glass back on the counter.
Misato (slyly): Seems to me you've been carrying that memory for a long time.
Kaji (smiling): Long enough so it could come back and bite you in your cute ass.
Misato: Asshole.
Shinji threw a punch at Asuka's face, Asuka easily caught Shinji's wrist before he could land the blow, and she followed up with a sharp kick to Shinji's side. Shinji yelped in pain before Asuka decided to twist his captured arm, forcing Shinji to twist around with his back to her, kneeling on the padded floor.
Asuka (smiling cruelly): Give up?
Shinji (in pain): Yes, YES!
Asuka (grinning evilly): Too bad.
Shinji let out another yell as Asuka twisted his arm a little further.
Shinji: Please let me go Asuka! It hurts!
Asuka: Not until you promise to fight!
Shinji: I already did!
Asuka: That wasn't fighting. I know even you can do better than that!
She twisted further.
Shinji: OW! PLEASE LET ME GO!
Asuka: NO!
Shinji knew that Asuka wouldn't let him go, even if it meant she had to dislocate his shoulder. Once more he found himself forced to act less he would suffer further, he gritted his teeth and shut his eyes tight before reaching for the top of Asuka's chest pad. In one quick movement he stood up, arched his back and began to fall forward while tugging at Asuka with all his strength. The girl was not prepared for this, and she fell forward easily, letting go of Shinji's arm during the tumble. However Shinji had used too much force and the moment caused him to keep going with Asuka, falling on top of her as she crashed to the ground. The two opened their eyes to find themselves tangled around each other.
*Flashback*
Asuka pinned a boy against a wall, ticking his sides fevourishly, laughing with him.
*Boy (laughing): I give up!
*Asuka (grinning): Okay.
The moment she released him, he slumped to the floor panting. She crouched down, then sat beside him, leaning her head against his.
*Asuka (smiling): You're fun.
*Boy (panting still): Thanks.
*End Flashback*
Asuka (gasping): Better.
Ritsuko: Is there any specific reason we're pushing forward the schedule. We've already leapt too far, too fast already.
The elderly man sat forward in his chair, resting his elbows on the desk in front of him.
Fuyutsuki: Under normal circumstances I'd agree.
Ritsuko: So what has changed now?
Fuyutsuki: We run the risk of our research being discovered.
Ritsuko (surprised): You can't be serious.
Fuyutsuki: Oh but I am. The UN will be sending an inspection team here next week. It seems someone leaked out some old test data on Rei.
Ritsuko screwed her face up in disgust when she heard the name.
Ritsuko: Hasn't commander Ikari spoken with....
Fuyutsuki: For all we know, SEELE might be behind this.
Ritsuko: But why would they do this now, especially since the production stages of the Yansa-type are almost ready to begin?
Fuyutsuki: That is something even I am not privileged to know. However we are sure that all our sensitive data will be far out of reach of the inspection team.
Ritsuko: Then why the warning?
Fuyutsuki: Because we don't want any other loose ends for those hounds to find.
To emphasize his point, he threw down the folder he had seen earlier that day.
Ritsuko (eying the folder): I see.
It had been long since the two teenagers had fallen into their rather embarrassing predicament, now they lay side by side, their protective padding all over the floor, as they both looked at the ceiling.
Asuka (still watching the ceiling): It hasn't been that bad, has it?
Shinji (turning his head to the side): Huh?
Asuka (still watching the ceiling): You know, these past four days.
Shinji: Oh, I guess...not.
Asuka (suspicious): That sounds a little forced to me Shinji.
Asuka then rolled over onto her side to face Shinji. Shinji gulped as he saw a side of Asuka he had never seen before. Instead of an evil smirk or an angry expression on her face, she was actually showing a little concern.
Asuka (whispering): I...haven't been that bad? Have I Shinji?
Shinji's courage floundered at the way she pronounced his name, softly and sweetly, not like her usual shrill "Shinji you idiot".
Shinji (nervously): Uh...uh...n-no.
Asuka's eyes seemed to sparkle after Shinji had spoken. She gave a soft smile, and mouthed the words thankyou. Before Shinji knew what was happening, Asuka was moving her head towards his. Shinji was terrified at what was happening.
Shinji (thinking): Is she going to kiss me?!
Asuka's lips neared Shinji's, his eyes were completely transfixed on Asuka's as she slowly continued forward until they were only centimeters apart when....
Asuka: Idiot!
She flicked Shinji's forehead with her index finger, pulling Shinji roughly from his dreamlike state.
Asuka: Did you really think I was THAT easy?!
Shinji (shocked): I...I...I...I...
Asuka rose angrily and gathered up her futon and other sleeping gear, before storming off into the opposite room.
Asuka (angrily): Good night fourth child, if you even THINK about coming in here, I will make sure you can't kiss anyone for real!
With that she slid the door back roughly. Shinji continued to look at the door with a solemn expression on his face.
Misato (yawning): Anyway it's late, and I do have a battle to command tomorrow.
Kaji (faking surprise): You're actually going to go to work sober and having adequate sleep. You have changed Katsuragi.
Misato (groaning): More than you realise.
Kaji: I'm sure.
Misato pushed her glass aside and slowly slid off the barstool. Sure that she could hold her own weight, Misato grabbed her purse and began to wobble towards the door. Kaji spun on his seat and watched the woman struggle towards the exit.
Kaji: Take a taxi!
Misato: I'm not THAT stupid Kaji!
Kaji could only grin.
Shinji lay on his back out in the middle of the living room. Misato had returned home an hour previously, in an evening dress and smelling of alcohol. He knew that she had NOT been at work, but quickly thought of drinking with Ryougi Kaji as a more fitting excuse. The boy rolled over to examine the clock on the kitchen counter.
Shinji (tiredly): Two in the morning?
Shinji felt around in the darkness for several moments, trying to find his SDAT player. He spent the next minute trying to effectively place the ear buds correctly in his ears. But as he pressed the play button the door to Asuka's room slid open, Shinji quickly hit the stop button and closed his eyes. The sounds of footsteps went past him and down the hallway, then a light came on, and minutes later a flush. The light clicked off, and the sound of feet tiredly plodding across the carpet returned. What was missing, was the sound of a door sliding closed; it was replaced by the sound of a body falling limp on a futon.
Shinji gulped and slowly opened his eyes to find Asuka facing him, but she appeared to be asleep. Shinji's eyes bulged, and he reflexively hit the rewind button on his SDAT.
Shinji (very startled): A-A....Asuka?
Shinji received no reply. But the lack of response didn't sway him, Shinji clearly remembered how Asuka had teased him only hours before.
Shinji (whispering): You aren't catching me this time Asuka.
Asuka continued to carry on sleeping.
Shinji (thinking): I can't sleep with her like this.
His mind raced as he tried to figure out a way to get Asuka to move, without it involving him moving off his futon. A cruel idea then entered his mind.
Shinji (mischievously): Well if you wouldn't kiss me before, how about now?
With that he began to lean towards Asuka, readying his lips as if to kiss her. He continued to near her soft pink lips without her making any move in self-defense. Just before their lips were to touch, Asuka did something he never expected.
Asuka (moaning): Mamma.
Shinji pulled his head back slightly to see if Asuka would stop pretending. She didn't. He then noticed the tears which were streaming from her eyes as she moaned again. Shinji's devious demeanor shattered completely as he continued to watch Asuka, he suddenly felt very guilty for even thinking that she was faking. Leaning forward once more, Shinji lightly brushed some of Asuka's hair from her eyes and gently wiped the tears trickling down her cheeks.
Shinji (whispering): I'm sorry Asuka.
He then got up, collected a blanket and a pillow and went over to a corner of the living room, leaving Asuka on his futon.
Misato: Okay, this is it. I'm counting on both of you. Remmber your co-rodinates and routes, but you may also have to make decisions on the run. I trust you're both up to it.
Asuka (on video screen): You've got the right girl then!
The image of Asuka then turned, to look at the video screen of Shinji next to her.
Asuka (on video screen): HIM...on the other hand.
Shinji (on video screen): Hey, I've worked just as hard as you.
Asuka (on video screen): That'd be a first.
Shinji (on video screen): You have no right to criticize me!
Asuka (on video screen): Watch me!
Misato (frustrated): Cut it out you two!
Shigeru looked up from his console.
Shigeru: The angel has passed the final defense line!
Misato: Get ready.
Asuka (on comm to Shinji): Remember the moves Shinji. Maximum speed, maximum performance.
Shinji (on comm to Asuka): I remember!
Hyuga: The target has reached optimal engagement area.
Misato: Detach power cables.
The giant extension leads were flung from the back's of the two waiting Eva's through the use of powerful explosions. Just as they were to hit the floor, stabilizer rockets fired in order to slow the cords down, leaving them undamaged.
Misato: Eva launch.
At Misato's signal, both Eva's rocketed up their respective catapult tubes towards the city above. The ten second journey was soon over and both Eva's surfaced, one on each side of the angel.
Misato: Commence operation!
Using a grid map in the bottom corner of their HUD's, both pilots quickly maneuvered their Eva's to their set positions. Once arriving, the nearby weapon bays retracted their armored shutters and spat out each of the Eva's respective weapons. Sensing imminent danger from multiple directions, the angel divided itself in two.
Asuka (over radio): The green one is MINE!
The red Eva began shooting from the hip with it's pallet rifle, striking the angel dead center, although it seemed to be causing little damage. Shinji fired at his respective target, having the same effect as Asuka's continuing assault with her pallet rifle. Expending her ammunition, the angel Asuka had been firing at suddenly jumped with surprising speed towards her. Unit two was barely able to step to the side before the angel landed right where the Eva had been standing previously, totally destroying the pavement beneath it. It then lunged forward, but not before the Eva was able to bring up the pallet rifle to shield itself from the blow. On the counter attack now, Asuka commanded her Eva to grip the barrel of the rifle and use it as a club against the now retreating angel.
Misato (over radio): Shinji A9 now!
Shinji (over radio): Roger.
Unit one twisted to avoid a a slice attack from the angel, which ripped through a whole building only a moment later.
Misato (over radio): D1!
Asuka (over radio): On it!
Both Eva's quickly retreated to their new positions, vaulting over buildings, ducking under overpasses, whatever it took to slow down the pursuing angel behind them. On arrival each Eva took out their respective missile launchers from the waiting weapon retrieval bays.
Asuka grinned at her targeting reticle centered on the angel's body mass.
Asuka (to herself): Gotcha now.
A streaming line of missiles streaked towards the advancing angel before it disappeared in gathering explosion and a billowing cloud of black smoke. Crouching low in preparation, Asuka timed her next attack well. As the angel jumped out of the cloud, towards the waiting Eva, Asuka commanded the Eva to quickly rise and push the angel up and over the Eva into a building behind it, while it was still in mid-air.
Misato (over radio) Okay, it's taking the bait, stick to the plan!
Asuka (over radio): Let's move this to G4 then shall we!
Shinji: Hold on!
Unit one dropped the pieces of what was once it's missile launcher before giving the angel a powerful side kick, causing it to crash to the ground. Without looking back the Eva began to sprint towards the final designated zone.
Misato (leaning on Hyuga's chair): Get ready.
Hyuga (watching the screen): Yes ma'am.
Each Eva retrieved a progressive spear from the retrieval bay.
Asuka (over the radio): Final move Shinji. Checkmate!
Shinji said nothing but kept his eyes steeled on the two rapidly approaching angels.
Misato (into radio): They fell for it!
The two Eva's separated as the two angels leaped over the final building in their way. Before the angels could regain balance after the heavy fall, each Eva performed a roundhouse kick on their respective angel, sending them crashing into one-another, forming the original, single angel.
Misato (into radio): Now!
Both Eva's threw their spears directly at the angel's core, both piercing deep into the deep red bullseye, at the same time forcing the angel back with the momentum.
Shinji (into radio): It's gonna self destruct!
Misato (into radio): Asuka move!
Asuka (over radio): Roger!
The red Eva charged forward, while the sides of the building behind the angel dropped away to reveal a large missile. Unit two quickly took the ends of both spears and drove the angel further back until the blades of the spears had penetrated the side of the missile.
Misato (to Hyuga): LAUNCH NOW!
Hyuga quickly pressed the launch button on the console in front of him. The missile exploded from it's launch pad with a powerful blats and shot into the sky, second later an explosion lit up the the streets of Tokyo-3 more than the sun would even in a mid-day heat wave. The tallest buildings in the city suffered the loss of their upper stories, while on the ground power lines were knocked over and rubble was distributed all over the city.
And in the middle of it all were two Evangelions, power gone and their pilots disembarking from their lifeless mecha.
As Shinji began to climb down from his entry plug, a panel in the Eva's amour slid back revealing a telephone handset ringing and blinking. Cautiously he picked it up and a holographic image of Asuka sporting the V sign sprouted up.
Holographic Asuka: Score one for the good guys!
Shinji (flatly): Uh, yeah.
Holographic Asuka: Oh I see, the city. Don't worry about all this, a lick of paint here, a little thousand million yen construction budget, and the city will be back on it's feet.
Shinji (sighing): Well...
Holographic Asuka (aprehensive): That was a guilty sigh. You didn't try and kiss me last night did you?
Shinji (blushing): Uhh...well...
Holographic Asuka (shocked): YOU WHAT?!
Shinji (spluttering): N-no I didn't, I stopped!
Holographic Asuka (still shocked): That's beside the point, the fact that you even tried to, ewwwww!
Maya (sighing): They're at it again.
Misato (groaning): And I thought they had learned SOMETHING from all this.
Hyuga: They did...what characteristics each of them hated about each other.
Shigeru: And they're not afraid of showing it either.
The command staff averted their eyes, as Asuka made an obscene gesture at Shinji.
Fuyutsuki (holding his head in his hand): That is not what we had installed those video-phones for.
The twelve monoliths of SEELE shimmered into view, surrounding the figure of Gendo Ikari was patiently waiting behind his desk.
Kihl: Our meeting was not scheduled until 0700 tomorrow Ikari. What is the nature of this?
Gendo: I know you are behind the UN inspection.
SEELE 02: INSOLENT.....
Kihl: Control yourself. Ikari, you know as well as I do, I have no power over the UN committees.
Gendo: I find that hard to believe.
SEELE 07: It does not matter what you believe.
SEELE 09: The UN, the angels and everything else is irrelevant.
Kihl: What matters is the project, nothing more.
Gendo (thinking): My project, not yours.
Several moments of silence passed.
Gendo: Indeed.
Gendo (thinking): My project
Misato: Ready to do something wild Kaji?
Kaji (sarcastically): I don't see how putting a hood over my head and tying my ankles together can be seen as wild.
Misato (grinning): The bag is only temporary.
Kaji (mischievously): So are you going to tie my arms up too?
Misato walked up to Kaji and slowly trailed a finger down his chest, causing the bound and blinded man to shiver.
Misato: I don't think that is necessary.
Kaji (surprised): Why?
Misato: Oh because of this.
She pulled Kaji's hood off, the man immediately looked down to see the bottom of an Eva cage far below.
Kaji (stammering): M-Misato, y-you wouldn't?
Misato (grinning evilly): Oh...yes...I...would.
Before Kaji could react, Misato pushed him hard sending him off the open-ended railing, screaming as he fell.
Misato ( yelling out): What's the matter, I thought you always liked bungee jumping!
-----------------------------
**Omake**
Gendo and his opponent looked at each other squarely in the eyes. The supreme commander of NERV tilted his glasses in order to look slightly more intimidating. His opponent removed his, and massaged his eyeballs. Shifting his glasses away, he looked Gendo square in the eyes once more, the senior man opened his lips to speak.
Gendo: C9.
Rion: Hit.
Gendo: D9
Rion (angrily): Hit.
Gendo: E9.
Rion (sighing): Hit.
Gendo (smirking): F9.
The author slams his hand down on the table and plucks off a plastic ship from his board.
Rion: You sunk my battleship.
Gendo tilts his chair back victoriously, while the author only glares at him, suddenly his mood changes.
Rion: Best nine out of eleven?
Gendo (shaking his head): No...now you must fulfill your part of the plan.
Rion: Yeah, yeah okay.
Wearily the author stands up and walks out of the room.
Rion (muttering): Stupid game.
Gendo smirks at the object in the author's back pocket, the script to "Gendo Ikari's magical adventures in NERVland".
Gendo (smiling wryly): A past long forgotten indeed.
-----------------------------
Episode 8 coming soon:
"Peace is shattered once more as an A-17 is declared upon the discovery of a new angel in the volcanic depths. With Shinji in the hospital, Asuka has no choice but to accept the help of her rival."
Any comments and criticisms are welcome.
Writer/Storyboard: Les Robb aka Rion (rion@dingoblue.net.au)
Storyboard/Editing: KoalaKiller (Evadu01@aol.com)
Editing: Jonathan Gaters (katarnx2b@netzero.net)
NOTE:
Der idiot gesunken meinem Linienschiff! - The idiot sunk my battleship!
Feigling - Coward.
Other notes:
I'm pretty sure I kept the release of this episode under a month, with uni over now it means I can get back to some more intensive writing. Although episode 8 promises to be the longest APLF yet. (Yes this is copied as episode 8 but is really episode 7.2) APLF WILL be finished!
And thanks be to my pre-readers:
Worldmage drahcir_j@hotmail.com
Ken Stokes cerokai@21stcentury.net
Silencer mays@one.net.au
Seph Khan sephirothkhan@hotmail.com
Rugle s369520@student.uq.edu.au
Greywolfe mdt02@uow.edu.au
And all the members of the Evangelion Fanfiction mailing list.
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.