A past long forgotten
Part VII: Games meant for two (part I)
Misato: HE WHAT?!
Asuka looked around the apartment nervously, trying not to catch the gaze of the hysterical NERV captain.
Asuka (flatly): He left.
Misato: No, I refuse to believe that. Shinji wouldn't just leave.....not this time!
Asuka (thinking): He's done this before?
Misato (putting her face close to Asuka's): You know what I think... I think someone MADE him leave.
Asuka now felt the rage build up inside her. She knew that she had done this to Shinji but how was she to know Misato's wishes.
Asuka (angrily): Oh, come on You couldn't have expected both of us to live here!
Misato studied the girl for a moment before letting her retort loose.
Misato (anger building): So you expected me to just throw him out and keep you?!
Asuka (arrogantly): Well, what other choice was there?
The redhead flipped her hair elegantly to emphasise her point. Misato's expression darkened significantly.
Misato: How dare you....you...you.... little bitch!
Knowing that she couldn't keep control of herself much longer, Misato lurched past Asuka, and grabbed her jacket from the closet, and stormed towards the door.
Asuka (startled): Where are you going?!
Misato (furious): To look for Shinji!
Asuka: And what do I do?
Misato: Don't unpack your things... you aren't staying here very long....
The door closed, seemingly with much more force than any other time. Asuka remained in the hallway for several minutes, clenching her fist in anger.
Asuka: DAMN YOU!
Shinji Ikari knew this route all too well from his previous wanderings around the city. NERV agents would be following him, of course. He didn't really care. This time he wasn't running away from his duty... he was running away from someone.
However, Shinji's luck was not with him this particular afternoon, as the overcast sky quickly developed into rising storm which he was unfortunatly caught in.
Shinji (thinking): This day just keeps going from bad to worse.
Shinji ran as fast as he could, while trying to protect his boxed possessions with the meager flaps of his cardboard container.
Toji (staring out the window): Boooring.
The tall boy leaned on a windowsill, staring through the glass portal, watching the rest of the city become drenched in the worsening rain.
Kensuke: Aw! Comeon! It ain't that bad.
Toji (grumbling): And I had a game lined up today and everything.
Kensuke sat himself on the floor with the latest magazine of "SSDF monthly". As he carelessly flipped through the contents of the magazine, a thought occurred to him.
Kensuke (behind his magazine): We have indoor facilities at the Tokyo-3 youth club.
Toji (aimlessly): Huh?
Kensuke sighed and lower his magazine to reveal his face.
Kensuke: I said the Tokyo-3 youth club has indoor basketball courts.
Toji: So?
Kensuke sweatdropped and raised his magazine once more.
Kensuke (groaning): Useless.
Following Shinji's previous statement, the weather over Tokyo-3 began to steadily worsen. Instead of the fairly occasional droplet of water from the sky, it began to bucket down like someone had turned on a faucet over the city. Yet, Shinji kept running out in the open, completely exposed to the steadily worsening rain he made no attempt to protect himself as the rain streaking down his face, masking the tears which were also present.
Shinji (whispering): Why.....Asuka?
He needed to go somewhere, anywhere, preferably where there wasn't a lot of people. He could think of only one place at such short notice.
Toji: Heads up!
The larger boy dribbled the basketball in his possession a few metre's more, then took his shot. As the ball arced through the air towards the net, a white blur attempted to intercept the hoopbound ball, but fell un athletically short. As the body fell to the floor, face forward, the ball sailed directly through the hoop with the distinguishing 'swish' sound.
Toji (pumping his arm): Yes! In your face, Kensuke!
Kensuke (still lying face first): Well, you are a jock after all. This isn't really fair.
Toji (crossing his arms): So what would you prefer we do?
Kensuke (turning his face to Toji): There is a new indoor, laser zone downtown.
Toji rolled his eyes while Kensuke let a small grin pass.
Toji: You are such a nerd.
Kensuke: You are such a jock.
The two glared at each other for several moments then chuckled to themselves. Kensuke stood himself back up and brushed himself off, while Toji retrieved the ball.
Toji (spinning the ball on his finger): So, that makes nine to zero, right.
Kensuke: I scored once!
Toji (slightly shocked): That was cheating!
Kensuke (turning his nose up): It was a legitimate diversion.
Toji: Shouting out, "hey Hikari",then climbing up to the hoop is not a legitimate move, Aida.
Kensuke scowled.
Kensuke: I thought it was pretty clever, myself.
Toji (rambling): Then what's next, you giving me a wedgie and using a stepladder?
Kensuke (to himself): DAMN! There goes plan B.
Another deserted street, another chance at finding the young Ikari gone. Misato rested her head on the steering wheel of her car as the sound of the engine and the endless rain mixed in togeather. The woman sighed while tracing her right hand along the dashboard.
Misato (thinking): Where are you, my Shinji?
After several moments, Misato straightened herself up, changed the lights back to high beam, and drove off towards the next street.
Kensuke: Toji, I'm tired. Can't we stop?
To emphasize his point Kensuke dropped down to his hands and knees.
Toji: So, big military man has had enough, huh?
Toji dribbled the ball teasingly around a panting Kensuke Aida.
Kensuke: Ok, so I'm not as in good a shape as you.
Toji (mockingly): More like out of shape to me.
Kensuke only grumbled in response, while trying to regain his breath.
Toji: So, you wanna take a break?
Kensuke: Yes!
Toji: Ok.
Tucking the basketball under his left arm, Toji extended his right towards Kensuke. Reluctantly, Kensuke took his forearm and hauled himself upright. The two boys stood and look at each other for a second, then grinned. However, Toji's grin was soon replaced by a look of surprise as he stared past Kensuke and out the door.
Kensuke (turning): Hey, what is it?
There, standing in the doorway to the hall, was a very thoroughly soaked Shinji Ikari.
A very shaken Ritsuko Akagi tapped in a long forgotten password to a door, which had remained sealed for a decade under order from one particular NERV commander. The door took it's time to process the code and longer to even slide open, its old un-maintained servos remembering what it was like to move again.
Voice: So we begin again.
Ritsuko jumped at the sound of the male voice behind her, but she made no attempt to turn around to face the man.
Ritsuko (shakily): C-Commander Fuyutsuki.
Fuyutsuki: It's been a while.
Ritsuko (softly): Ten years.
Fuyutsuki: And we're back here again. Fate is cruel and unyielding, is it not?
*Flashback*
Rei: It hurts!
Fuyutsuki (trying to remain calm): Just a little longer, Rei.
Rei (through her tears): Yes.
The sub commander looks over at the two scientists. Naoko looked him directly in the eyes and Fuyutsuki nodded.
Fuyutsuki: Open the link to the Magi, we may lose Rei's body, but we can preserve her mind...for later.
The computer responded by opening pathway from Rei's neural sensors to the main memory storage for the Magi computers which allowed her brain signals and synapses to flow through. Her mind was drawn out of her body like water through a straw and into the cold recesses of the supercomputers in the command center.
The picture of Rei in the entry plug became distorted but the screams of the young girl were completely prevalent. As her body was being slowly disintegrated as her mind is being sucked out...and all not by the most painless or humane ways. Finally the screaming stopped and all three adults in the observation room had the heart to look at the view screen again. All they saw is small particles of matter floating in the discolored LCL.
Fuyutsuki shakes his head while Ritsuko buries her head in her hands.
Ritsuko (sobbing): I knew there would be sacrifices but not like this!
Naoko puts her hand on Ritsuko's shoulder, trying to comfort her daughter. Fuyutsuki gaze finally sways from the view screen to the computer graph of Rei's "mental transfer", showing a success.
Fuyutsuki (to himself): I'm sorry, Rei.
*End Flashback*
Ritsuko (sarcastically): I never knew Gendo went under the name of fate.
Fuyutsuki: One must never let go of the past or the future is lost. Ikari holds on too tightly to the memories.
Ritsuko: But no-one can recreate the past.
Fuyutsuki: Then, my good doctor....why are you here?
Asuka curled herself up into a tighter ball as she heard the sound of the apartment door sliding open. She listened carefully but could only hear the sound of one pair of feet plodding around in the kitchen. Her heart sank as she knew it must have been Misato. Her speculation was confirmed when she heard the fridge slide closed, the audible click of a pop top, followed by multiple gulping sounds, finished off with a loud burp.
Asuka (thinking): Great, she didn't find him. That means I'm out of here and into some broom closet in the GeoFront. Why did the jerk run off like a little baby, it's not like I said "get out, you bastard" or something like that.
She clenched her fist underneath the sheets.
Asuka (thinking): Yeah, it's Misato's fault for not explaining the living arrangements to us.
She rolled over and looked up at an angle through the window, being on the floor.
Asuka (softly): Wonder what it would have been like with the little idiot around anyway.
*Flashback*
Kyoko: Now you two be good and we'll just be inside should you need anything.
*Asuka: We have everything we need mamma! And we roughing it!
Kyoko (laughing): Yes, dear.
Kyoko removed her head from the well stocked play tent with assorted drinks, snack foods, books, batteries, torches and blankets.
Asuka looked over at her tent mate, who was fumbling with the batteries in his torch.
Asuka (giggling): Silly monkey boy, they're in backwards!
He blushed and slowly corrected his error. His reward was a bright beam coming from his torch.
Boy: Thank you.
Asuka smiled then dug underneath a nearby blanket looking for something. Finally she held up a pack of cards.
Asuka: Wanna play snap?
*End Flashback*
Asuka rolled over again, this time onto her back. She pressed her index and middle finger to her temple.
Asuka: Who IS he?
Shinji: Thanks.....for letting me stay here.
Toji: Really, it's no problem Shinji.
As the two settled down for sleep, Toji in his bed and Shinji on a futon beside him, an uneasy silence washed over the two. Finally, Toji rolled over so he could look down at Shinji. Noticing the change in his friends, position Shinji tilted his head towards Toji.
Toji: Ya never did tell me the real reason for coming here.
Shinji: I-I thought I did.
Toji: Sure, you made up some lame excuse of Misato having to get out of the apartment for a few days cause they were spraying, or something.
Shinji (apprehensive): T-That's what happened.
Toji: I know that one ain't true. Otherwise, NERV would put you up in some fancy hotel, or down in that big cavern you guys got.
Shinji:........
Toji: So...what's the real story Shinji?
Shinji: It's just....well I....
Toji: Come on, I'm your friend, I won't tell anyone. All I wanna know is what is eating you up, Ikari.
Shinji: Well........ok.
Toji settled into a more comfortable position, preparing himself for the coming tale. Unfortunately, nothing could prepare him for the shock that was coming next.
Shinji (sighing): Asuka.....kicked me out.
At first, Toji didn't seem to react. Then slowly he raised his eyebrows.
Toji: You're kidding, right?
Shinji (shaking his head slowly): No, I wish I was.
Having heard this Toji quickly sat upright in the bed.
Toji: No way! The demon kicked you out....of your own place?! When, how?!
Shinji sighed again while looking at his hands which were clutching the sheets over his body. Slowly, his gaze shifted to Toji, who was staring down at him, his hands gripping the side of the bed, like the talons of a watching hawk. Shinji lowered his head and gripped the sheets tighter.
Shinji: This afternoon.....s-she said she was......living w-with Misato now.
Toji: Awww come on Shinji! Misato really cares about you, she'd never do something like that to you!
Shinji (sighing): Well...Asuka had all her stuff there.
Toji: I think the demon got her wires crossed, myself. The wrong apartment or something.
Shinji: Maybe.
The two rolled onto their backs once more, each watching the darkened ceiling. After several minutes of silence, Toji tilted his head to look over in Shinji's direction.
Toji: Sooo......what now?
Shinji (with his eyes closed): What do you mean?
Toji: Tomorrow...what are you gonna do tomorrow?
Shinji: I guess I'll go to school with you.
Toji (concerned slightly): And face the demon?
Shinji: ...A-Asuka can do what she wants, I don't care. Not now anyway.
Toji: And Misato?
Shinji: I'm sure Asuka, or someone, will tell her.
Ritsuko: Do you even think this has even a remote chance of taking?
At an adjacent worktable, Fuyutsuki swiveled around in his chair, looking the weary scientist in the eyes.
Fuyutsuki (solemnly): Realistically. No.
Ritsuko blinked, then prepared herself to re-initiate the conversation. However, Fuyutsuki had swiveled back around to re-examine the sample underneath his microscope. Ritsuko opened her mouth to speak.
Fuyutsuki (using the microscope): But then, stranger things have happened, doctor.
Ritsuko quickly shut her mouth as she remembered; Unit 01 moving without power, the astounding syncro rates of Asuka and Shinji, Rei using the Magi for her own means. Yes, stranger things had happened.
Ritsuko: Hmmm.
With that, she swiveled in her chair and returned to work.
Rei floated high above the streaking highways of binary digits, in the classic thinker position. She concentrated to extend her consciousness to the furtherest depths of the Magi network. Suddenly, her thoughts were disturbed in a hidden corner she didn't even know about.
Rei (opening her eyes): An intruder.
Slowly, she descended from her perch and drifted toward the site of disturbance. As she neared the location, her thoughts became more focused.
Rei (thinking): A hacker.
Rei clenched her right hand as she floated forward, gradually erecting an impenetrable firewall behind her. She sensed that the hacker had discovered her intentions and was attempting to severe their connection to the network. As the signal grew weaker, Rei knew she had to act quickly.With one swipe of her hand, she successfully created a microfibre link to the hacker's computer and accessed their terminal, making it impossible for them to disconnect, short of pulling the modem out of the wall.
In the blink of an eye, she downloaded every piece of information off the hacker's computer and electronically pinpointed the source of the connection on a digital Tokyo-3 map. Knowing that escape was now pretty much pointless, the hacker remained. Rei touched the ground and blinked her eyes.
Sorting through the image directory on the hacker's hard drive she found what she was looking for.
Rei (thinking): His age surprises me.
Rei (narrowing her eyes): Why are you here?
Kensuke fell off his chair when he saw his screen go black and a the question "WHY ARE YOU HERE?" printed across the screen in bright green letters. He climbed back up to his place and began to nervously type in his reply.
On his days off ,one of Kaji's little pleasures was to take a long bath and forget his hectic schedules as he double crossed one agency or another. Unfortunately something would always get in the way of him and his bath time, but today it seemed different. The man had just eased himself into the water, adjusting to the heat when the phone began to ring.
Kaji (sighing): Of course.
Quickly he rose from the tub and grabbed the ready, waiting towel, not even bothering to take the time to wrap it around himself properly. On the eighth ring, he reached the phone and gingerly picked it up with a pre-dried hand.
Kaji (into phone): Ryougi speaking.
Misato (over phone): Oh, very mature using your first name Kaji.
Kaji (into phone): Katsuragi! And what do I owe the pleasure of your beautiful voice, this fine morning?
Misato (over phone): Stuff the idle chit-chat, Kaji.
Kaji (into phone): Well then, we'll cut to the chase.
The other side of the line is silent for a few moments.
Misato (over phone): Well....it's just....well....I.....
Kaji (into phone): I've never known you to beat around the bush, Katsuragi.
Kaji knew that was the wrong thing to say, but it would take Misato's mind off her inability to speak and more directly onto him.
Misato (over phone): JERK! All I called for was to see if you knew where I could find Shinji!
Kaji (into phone): Why's that? Don't tell me you misplaced him.
Misato grimaced and turned a shade of purple on her end of the line.
Misato (over phone): Look, I don't want to argue over this any longer.....
Kaji (thinking): That was us arguing?
Misato (over phone): Shinji ran away yesterday because Asuka got the living arrangements mixed up. I....don't know where he is or if he's ok. It's just that....he's like......oh Kaji!
Kaji could distinctly hear Misato's grief stricken sobs over the phone and he immediately frowned.
Misato (over phone): I...I drove around half the n-night looking for him.....I.....I couldn't find....h-him.
Kaji (into phone): Ok Misato, just calm down. It'll be alright, Shinji is a strong boy in his own right and I'm sure he's most probably gone to one of his friends places overnight.
Misato's half closed, tear streaked eyes opened wide hearing this.
Misato (over phone): Of course! Thankyou Kaji!
Kaji (into phone): My pleasure mad...*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
Kaji shook his head while replacing the phone on it's cradle. He let a small grin escape his lips as he walked back to his bath, while also hoping that the carpet dried quickly.
Kensuke awoke to a rather unpleasant noise at the front door. Fortunately, his father had already left for work, so there would be no cursing involved....except on Kensuke's part as he staggered to the door in his sleeping attire.
Kensuke (rubbing his eyes): Whoever is out there is gonna...
Muffled voice: Shinji.....Shinji!
Kensuke blinked, then decided to open the door...to a frazzled Misato Katsuragi. Before Kensuke could even begin any type of greeting, Misato grabbed him by his shirt and forced him backward.
Misato (fanatically): Is Shinji here?
Unable to find the power of speech, Kensuke just shook his head. Misato lowered her head, then perked in back up with softened eyes.
Misato (softer): Do you know where he is?
Still unable to speak Kensuke this time nodded his head. Misato's face brightened immediately.
Misato: Will you tell me....please Kensuke?
Misato tried to sound as cute as possible for Kensuke, who was having trouble not to develop a nosebleed.
Kensuke: H...h...he's at T-Toji's place.
Misato grinned then leaned forward and gave Kensuke a quick peck on the cheek.
Misato (warmly): Thank you.
Kensuke (spluttering): Thank...
However, all that was in front of the boy was an empty doorway and the sound of rushing feet.
Kensuke: ....you.
Kensuke (thinking): Man, this has been one crazy week.
Shinji sighed as he tightened his belt around his waist, noticing the depressing tone of voice, Toji turned from packing his schoolbag to face his friend.
Toji: Something the matter?
Shinji (sighing): Kinda.
Toji didn't need a clue to what would be Shinji's answer.
Toji (softly): The demon, huh?
Shinji (lowering his head): Yeah.
Toji turned away for a moment, stuffing his notebook in the rather empty bag.
Toji: Well, yaknow.....
Shinji (curious): Yeah?
Toji: Teach hasn't been feeling really well lately, perhaps we'll have a substitute, so the means you could probably...well ya know...
Shinji: Skip class?
Toji (grinning): You always come up with the best plans, Shinji.
Asuka let loose another string of German curses as the toaster produced what looked more like charcoal then toasted bread.
Asuka (angrily): Argh! I am so bad at this!
Still muttering, the disgruntled girl plopped herself down on one of the dining area's chairs. She stared long and hard at what resembled food upon her plate.
Asuka (grumbling): Stupid toaster. Anyone can cook a piece of toast right?
Hearing no response she banged her hand on the table.
After a quick decision, Asuka stood back up and quickly dumped the burnt offering's in Pen-Pen's dish. Then she grabbed her book bag and left the apartment.
Noticing that he was alone once more, Pen-Pen decided to venture from his fridge to examine what type of food had been left for him by his roommates. Waddling over to his dish, Pen-Pen carefully examined something that kind of resembled food, which dared place itself in his dish. However, finding no other source of nutrition Pen-Pen gave a soft squawk, then relented to eating the toasted remains.
During the many years he had lived with the slovenly Misato Katsuragi and her famous instant meals, Pen-Pen had developed an iron constitution. Nonetheless, this single piece of toast was too much even for him. One nibble sent the penguin reeling towards the other fridge in a desperate quest for a beer to cleanse his taste buds.
Knocking for the fifth time that minute, Misato began to get impatient.
Misato (still knocking): Shinji? SHINJI?!
It was at about this time when another thought dawned upon Misato and she checked her watch.
Misato (groaning): He probably went to school.
The woman ran back to her waiting car and sped off in the direction of Tokyo-3's munciple junior high school.
The sound of two pairs of feet echoed down the corridors of NERV headquarters. The pace sounding neither fast or slow, but yet, the owners of those feet weren't all too thrilled about their destination.
Ritsuko: You've been with the commander a long time. Does it get any easier for you?
Fuyutsuki: I've been with Ikari for fifteen years and in that time, I have never felt talking to him was an easy thing to accomplish.
Ritsuko: Even if you were the bearer of good news?
Fuyutsuki continued looking ahead of him. He sighed.
Fuyutsuki: Especially then.
Before Ritsuko could prepare to reply, she noticed they were before the rather large doors which gave access to Ikari's office.
Fuyutsuki: Ready?
Ritsuko: Not in the least.
Fuyutsuki: Then no sense in prolonging the inevitable.
The old man typed in a secret password on the adjoining security keypad, which commanded the heavy doors to slide open. The two stood in the doorway looking down into the dimly lit office, where they could barely see the outline of a man.
Gendo: Proceed.
The two began to walk forward as the doors slowly closed behind them. Not being able to turn back, they continued to approach. After what seemed like minutes, they finally reached the desk of Gendo Ikari, who, like always sat, with his hands bridged under his nose. Ritsuko was a little uneasy, constantly shifting her feet and diving around in the pockets of her lab coat for non-existent items. Fuyutsuki was seemingly less nervous, with only a stout face showing signs of a forced expression.
Gendo: You have something to report.
Ritsuko: Yes sir.
Gendo: Continue.
Ritsuko: We...have found a compatible sample.
Gendo: Are you certain?
Ritsuko: The....the magi were in total agreement with the findings.
Gendo: And your input, Fuyutsuki?
Fuyutsuki: I do believe our search is over.
Gendo: I see. Then we must proceed, time is short.
Ritsuko: But sir, there are other tests we need to run, stability and....
Gendo: I believe you have already told me it was a success.
Ritsuko: Yes but...
Gendo: And were not the magi in agreement?
Ritsuko: Yes, but the implications.....
Gendo: It is sufficient. Begin immediately.
Fuyutsuki: Might I request something?
Gendo: Of course.
Fuyutsuki: The doctor and I have been working for twenty-two hours without rest I believe that....
Gendo: You have twelve hours reprieve.
Ritsuko opened her mouth to speak once more.
Gendo: That will be all, doctor.
The woman only gave a sharp nod, then turned on her heels to walk towards the already opening doors. Fuyutsuki prepared himself and turned as well.
Gendo: Fuyutsuki...remain.
The older man stopped in his tracks, while the Ritsuko had already removed herself from the room. He turned to face Gendo, who immediately locked eye contact with him.
Gendo: So I am to assume the Yansa-Type will be ready to be introduced?
Fuyutsuki: As we have just -
Gendo: Yes or no?
The man sighed in defeat.
Fuyutsuki: Yes.
Gendo (smirking): Then all is back on schedule once more.
Kensuke: Hey Toji, where's Sh -
Kensuke stopped his sentence, knowing the significance of the glare his friend was now giving him. Glare number 18. The "don't mention anything about that topic" glare.
Kensuke (sweating): Uh, I mean, have you seen Shinji? He's usually here by now.
Hikari (standing up): That's a question I would like an answer to myself, mister Aida.
Toji grimaced but continued his journey to Kensuke's desk.
Hikari (annoyed): Well?!
Toji: Guy moment. Be with you in a sec class rep.
Hikari gritted her teeth and slammed her left fist on her desk rather forcibly.
Toji (to Kensuke): Ikari is the secret word for today.
Kensuke(to Toji): Yeah, yeah, but what happened to him anyway?
Toji (to Kensuke): He ain't coming.
Kensuke (to Toji): Huh...why?
Toji (to Kensuke): He's got a lot of things on his mind at the moment. Needs some time by himself, and all the Shinji stuff he does.
Kensuke (to Toji): Oh, ok.
Toji nodded and stood up to face Hikari, when Kensuke remembered something from earlier that morning.
Kensuke: So, Misato didn't find you then?
Kensuke then realised his error and clamped his hands over his mouth, but the damage had already been done.
Hikari (very annoyed): And what does captain Katsuragi have to do with any of this, you two?!
The two boys gulped, when Misato stormed into the classroom.
Misato: Because I am Shinji's guardian, that's what!
Seeking sanctuary, the two boys edged towards the front of the classroom.
Toji and Kensuke gazes were caught between the visibly irritated forms of Hikari and Misato as they formed a line, pushing them back against one of the corners of the classroom.
Misato and Hikari togeather: You two have got some explaining to do!
Toji and Kensuke groaning: Double trouble.
Panting slightly, Shinji stepped onto the the deck of the Fuji Observation Platform. It was an amazing two story building with great views and all the modern conveniances, the only way of direct communication was a line of sight transmission tower a hundred metre's west of the building. Since the skylift had not been completed yet the trek was a rather long one not many people went there, mainly tourists or those out for a bit of exercise. Shinji sat down on one of the vacant couches and relaxed in it's soft leather, feeling rather comfortable in the electronically controlled temperature.
*Flashback*
Girl: Hey, whatcha doin'?
Shinji: Just...sitting.
Girl: Why?
Shinji: Why not?
Girl: Sitting isn't fun.
Shinji: Why not?
Girl: Cause you're doing nothing! Nothing isn't fun.
Shinji sighed and looked up at the girl before him.
Shinji: Then what do YOU wanna do?
Girl (grinning): Ever played William Tell?
She held a toy bow and some suction arrows behind her back.
*End Flashback*
Shinji (surprised): Where....did that come from?
Toji: And that's the story.
Kensuke: Yeah.
Misato: Every word?
Toji and Kensuke looked at the three girls, each had their arms folded and very potent glares emanating from them.
Toji: Everything.
Misato: Right! Well I'm off. Asuka, come with me.
Asuka (startled): Me? What for?!
Misato: You started all this, so you can help me fix it.
Hikari: I'm coming too, captain.
Misato (turning to Hikari): Oh no you're not!
Hikari (surprised): Why not?
Misato: Because I'm not having you all out of school today. Asuka just has a score to settle.
Hikari gave an angry stare at Asuka.
Hikari: She'd better.
Misato (nodding): She will.
Asuka just scowled and stomped out of the classroom, followed closely by Misato. Hikari stared at the empty doorway for several moments before sinking back into her seat, with only one thought on her mind.
Hikari (thinking): Ikari please come back.
While sipping on the soda he had recently purchased from the vending machine on the other side of the observation lounge, Shinji hummed a soft tune as he scanned the city of Tokyo-3 beneath him. Several hundred metre's up, he could clearly see the damage that plagued the city, like some sort of building eating virus had run it's course towards the city center from the east. He then cast his eyes out towards the bay where the 7th angel lied dormant behind it's shell of burnt skin.
With four days left until it was fully regenerated, Shinji couldn't help but wonder what the coming battle would be like. Shinji had never liked eva battles prior to this, but his defeat coupled with his troubles with Asuka and Misato, the last thing he wanted was to climb into an entry plug.
Returning to his seat, Shinji continued to regard the angel from the safety of the observation lounge.
Misato (into phone): Katsuragi, Misato Katsuragi, captain NERV tactical division. I need the location on the third child.
Misato kept up her furious pace through the Tokyo-3 traffic, while maintaining a conversation on her cell phone.
Misato: I know the security division isn't a baby-sitting service, but this is a tactical emergency!
Misato let out a soft growl while listening to the security division officer at the other end of the line. Asuka took her eyes off the road for a moment, to stare at the woman with a curious look on her face.
Misato: I'm his commanding officer and guardian, for god sakes!
Misato's expression continued to darken as she listened.
Misato (very annoyed): LISTEN here! You know about that angel out in the bay? In four days, just FOUR days, it's gonna come back to life and start attacking the city again. Now, unless you want our pilots to lose this round as well making us all the losers with them, you're gonna give me his location RIGHT NOW!
Misato listened eagerly for several moments. She then clicked off the cell phone and tossed it on the floor. She turned her gaze towards the expectant Asuka Sohryu.
Misato: He's at the mount Fuji observation deck.
Saying this, Misato gunned the motor and accelerated down the highway.
Shinji's quiet train of thought was shattered as he heard a voice behind him. Quickly turning, his heart settled from it's racing pace.
Shinji (a little shocked): H-hi, Kaji.
The man gave a small grin and leaned against a nearby wall. He took a quick glance at his reflection in the double re-enforced glass, observation window., then returned his gaze to the expectant boy, who was nursing a can of soda.
Shinji: H-how did you find me?
Kaji: I kinda thought that answer was obvious.
Shinji (casting his eyes to the floor): Security, huh?
Kaji: Yep, they're around here somewhere.
Kaji shifted his eyes in the direction of a man over in another corner of the deck, who was dressed in a black suit and reading a paper. He shifted his gaze up to the second story balcony, where, in the shadows, a similarly dressed man was. He nodded and turned back to Shinji, who still had his eyes fixated on the floor.
Shinji (softly): So....does Misato know I'm here?
Kaji: When I called she didn't, but I'm guessing it's only a matter of time.
Shinji: Oh.
Kaji: You're probably wondering why I came here.
The boy looked up from the floor and gave a small nod.
Kaji (smiling): Well, that's kind of linked to the reason why you came here. Care to elaborate on that reason?
Shinji: Well, you probably know about the whole Asuka thing I guess.
Kaji nodded.
Shinji: Toji suggested I take the day off to clear my head. I guess I was pretty emotional yesterday and all. It's just that Asuka is so....
Kaji: Egotistical, overbearing, painfully annoying?
Shinji (surprised): Uh, yeah.
Kaji: Don't look so surprised Shinji. I've spent many years with Asuka and know know a great deal about her. Things I wouldn't have liked to know either.
Shinji (curious): Like what?
Kaji: Oh no, I'm no tattle tale. If Asuka thinks you need to know she'll tell you.
Shinji: I don't think that's gonna happen.
Kaji grinned again and sat on the armrest of the couch.
Kaji: Well I wouldn't say that. But then this isn't he real problem now is it?
Shinji (confused): W-What do you mean?
Kaji: You're just blaming this on Asuka, because she makes it easy for you to blame isn't it?
Shinji (surprised): W-what?!
Kaji (frowning): Don't lie to me Shinji.
Shinji focused his attention on his hands, which were tightly gripping his cand of soda.
Kaji (expectant): So?
Shinji (sighing): I-I guess.....
Kaji: Then...what made you really run away?
Shinji (softly): I trusted Misato.
Kaji: And she trusts you.
Shinji (angrily): She betrayed me! Just like everyone else!
Kaji (surprised): Calm down Shinji. Misato hasn't betrayed you.
Shinji (sniffing): Then why....why did she throw me out?
Kaji (putting his hand on Shinji's shoulder): Did she even tell you this herself?
Shinji: N-no.
Kaji: Then shouldn't you give her a chance to explain?
Shinji: I.....guess so.
Kaji: She does love you Shinji. More than you realise.
The man then stood up and turned his gaze in the direction of the exit.
Shinji: You're leaving?
Kaji: I have some things to get done today.
Shinji: Well I...
Kaji: You feel better now?
Shinji: Yeah, I guess I do. But still when I think of Asuka...
Kaji: All I ask is you give her the benefit of the doubt. She's had a real rough time Shinji. You could say that you both are similar in that respect.
Kaji (thinking): More than you two even remember.
Shinji: I will. Thanks.
Kaji: Oh, and one more thing.
Shinji: Yes?
Kaji (smiling): When they do get here, don't tell them of our little talk, okay?
Shinji (nodding): Okay.
Kaji briskly walked out of the building. Shinji turned back to the view of the city and took a sip of his drink.
Shinji (sighing): I hope they get here soon.
Misato pulled on the hand brake and leaned back in her seat.
Asuka: Well?
Misato: Well what?
Asuka: Aren't you going to go in and get him?
Misato: I never said 'I' was going to get him.
Asuka scowled as she realised the implications of Misato's statement.
Asuka (crossing her arms): No way am I apologising to that dork!
Misato: Well, if you'd rather the accommodations in the GeoFront, that could be arranged.
Asuka: I....can live with that!
Misato: What? Even though they are hot, cramped, and quiet?
Asuka (wincing): I can deal with that. I'm a Sohryu, after all.
Misato decided to play her trump card.
Misato: Of course, we could have your precious unit two refitted with Hikari's data, and send HER out with Shinji since unit zero is still undergoing repairs.
This time Asuka knew she was beaten. There was no way in hell anyone but her was going to pilot unit two, especially Hikari.
Asuka (scowling): You fight dirty, Misato.
Misato (smiling): Drastic times call for drastic measures.
Asuka (grumbling): More like overkill to me.
The girl stepped out of the car and slowly made her way to the main building, grumbling all the way.
Toji (sitting down): Hey Kensuke, you look a little weird today.
Kensuke (startled): Huh?
Toji: This is what I'm talking about. You've been acting all spacey and stuff.
Kensuke: Ahh...well, I've just been doing things.
Toji: Like what?
Kensuke: Thinking.
Toji: Woah, you're freaking me out!
Kensuke (groaning): Oh, grow up.
Toji: Well excuse me mister Aida!
Kensuke: Hey....I'm sorry. I guess I'm just tired.
Toji (grinning): Up late again, skulking the net like the nerd you are?
Kensuke only gave Toji a dirty look. Knowing that his friend wasn't up to a match of wits, Toji promptly left the company of Kensuke Aida.
Kensuke (to himself): I hate when he's right.
Asuka silently made her way over towards the couch Shinji was sitting on. Because she was in her school uniform she received a few confused stares from people, but an angry glare soon fixed that problem. She stood behind the form of Shinji Ikari for several moments, steeling her nerves and with one gulp, temporally swallowed her pride.
Asuka: Look, I... I made a mistake... when I said you'd been kicked
out.
Shinji kept his eyes trained on the hulking form of the angel.
Asuka: I jumped to conclusions, so...
Shinji: Misato wants me to come back.
Asuka: Yeah.
Shinji: But you don't.
Asuka: ...
Shinji: It doesn't matter. If it's needed for the mission, they'll make me live with you anyway...
Asuka: What?
Shinji: ...so I don't really have a choice.
Shinji stood up, avioding Asuka's gaze and walked towards the toilets. Halfway there he stopped but with his back still towards Asuka.
Shinji: You know you can go now.
He continued towards the toilet. Asuka let out an angry grunt and stalked towards the door. Once outside she slammed her palm on the concrete exterior of the building.
Asuka: Damn you Ikari. Why did YOU get the last word in!
Kaji moved to a more secluded portion of the observation area away from the prying eyes of the public, or more importantly any NERV personnel. He leaned against the framework of an old transmission tower, under the cover of it's extensive shadow.
Female Voice: It looks like you made it.
Kaji didn't turn around. He kept looking towards the main building of the observation deck.
Kaji: I kind of had some business to attend to, and it was on the way and all.
Female voice (sarcastically): It's never like you to be late.....even for a few minutes.
Kaji (grinning): My apologies, Ami.
Ami: Apologies! My, my... talking with the young Ikari has taught you some manners, Kaji.
Kaji: I forgot, you women know everything.
Ami: Women always did make better spies, Ryougi.
Kaji: Touché.
Ami: So, you are aware of why, I organised this?
Kaji (smiling): I could use a little reminding.
Ami (frowning): You can't play dumb very well either.
Kaji: At least I'm not playing dead.
Ami (serious): If Ikari succeeds with his little puppet, you just won't be playing.
Kaji gave a nod with a grim look on his face, as he returned his gaze to the angel.
Kaji: But for now, we have more important things to be concerned about.
To be continued.....
-----------------------------
**Omake**
Asuka: I jumped to conclusions, so...
Shinji: Misato wants me to make it?
Asuka: Yeah.
Shinji: But you don't.
Asuka: ...
Shinji: It doesn't matter. If it's needed for the mission, they'll have me make it anyway
Asuka: What?
Shinji: ...so I don't really have a choice.
Shinji stood up, avioding Asuka's gaze and walked towards the kitchen. Halfway there he stopped but with his back still towards Asuka.
Shinji: I'll call you when it's ready.
He continued towards the kitchen. Asuka let out an angry grunt and stalked towards her room. Once inside she slammed her palm on the nearby desk.
Asuka: Damn you Ikari! Why did we have to have Supreme pizza, why can't he make meatlovers?!
**Omake 2 (courtesy of Seph Kahn groans) **
Katsuragi residence. Misato, PenPen and Asuka are holding a little "Welcome Home" party for Shinji. Or to be accurate, Misato has tied Shinji down and is trying to poor as much beer as possible directly into his throat through a funnel with PenPen beside her, squawking with joy now that Shinji is back to cook him his dinners again. Asuka is sitting on the couch, watching some German soap opera, ignoring the three of them. Suddenly, Rion bursts through the door, and locks it behind him, as well as moving some furniture in front of the door to bar it. From behind the door, the sound of pounding and yelling can be heard
Rion: Thank god I got away from those mobs! (*Everyone stares at him (Except for Shinji. He's trying not to choke on the funnel, which is still shoved halfway down his throat) Rion's clothes have all been ripped in multiple places, and he has several wounds gushing a lot of blood*) What the hell are you all looking at?
Misato: What in Gods name are you doing in my apartment again!!! The judge did give you that restraining order, didn't he?
Rion: Ahhh.. no.
PenPen: Wark! Wark! Wark!!! (Translation: What the hell wrong with you, you son of a bitch?)
Rion: Those blasted rabble still aren't happy!!! I gave them the first part of APLF 7, yet there still after my blood!!! What am I doing wrong?
Asuka: (*Thoughtful*) Hmmm. When do you intend to release part two?
Rion: (*Sweatdroping*) Ahh well I have a couple of things do first.
Misato: (*Cautiously*) Such as?
Rion: Well, I have to finish of Realities, start that new Mana fic, Resurrect my more or less defunct social life what? (*All four of them are glaring at him*)
Shinji (*Who has coughed up the funnel, some blood and a lot of beer*): Maybe it because they don't want to wait as long as last time
Rion: (*Outraged*) Well, I do kind of have a life, ya know!!! (*All four of them are marching towards him. Rion gulps*)
Rion: Quadruple trouble.
Ohhh the pain, the agonising pain of it all!
-----------------------------
Part 2 coming soon:
"Time is running out for the two Eva pilots to affirm their amends and get to training to combat the waiting angel. Also, What has Gendo got Ritsuko and Fuyutsuki up to, which the government is so interested in?"
Any comments and criticisms are welcome.
Writer/Storyboard: Les Robb aka Rion (rion@dingoblue.net.au)
Storyboard/Editing: KoalaKiller (KoalaKiller@cuety.com)
Editing: Jonathan Gaters (katarnx2b@netzero.net)
NOTE: * means dialogue in German.
Other notes:
This fic is WAY overdue however I've had so many different pressures on my time. I also apologise for diverting off on little projects (ie. Realities and my little Mana stint). Those fics plus all my other promised ones shall be completed I promise. Now on with part two and the conclusion for chapter seven.
And thanks be to my pre-readers:
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
Special Thanks to Sparky Clarkson sparkster@writeme.com for doing a real great editing job with very good alternate solutions.
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.