Slave to the Machine
By: Langerhast
Chapter Two
++++++
It seemed as if hours had passed when the soft engine drone reached Shinji's ears. Slowly, he lifted his head out of his hands, to see the massive gray cargo plane pulling into the runway. As soon as Misato nudged him, he knew that this must be the aircraft they were waiting for.
Both pilots and their guardian stood, and found their way to the exit. Misato emerged from the building swaggering formally, holding herself in a way that her rank truly showed. Shinji and Asuka followed casually behind, Asuka's hair whipping viciously in the wind. 'How fitting…' Shinji thought.
By the time they approached the behemoth, dozens of men and women were already swarming about beneath it, busily unloading giant pieces of cargo. It rested on top of a humongous metal cage, which held it high off of the runway. Shinji could see why; beneath the aircraft, the dormant form of what could only be Unit 06 lay. Areas of teal and gray interrupted the jet-black armor of its body at points, and the hideous grin made it seem like a bizarre combination of Units 01 and 03.
Both pilots looked on in satisfaction as the Major continued ahead, finally mingling with the crowd of workers to inspect the work. She seemed as if she were searching for someone in particular.
The pilots began to make their way among the steel poles and monstrous crates, being cautious so as to stay out of the way of those busy unloading.
Suddenly, both Shinji and Asuka felt compelled to stop. They had no idea what caused it. The two looked casually around them, until Shinji's gaze came to rest on a lone figure standing atop one of the towering crates. It was a boy, no older than himself, who stood confidently with his long black jacket whipping in the wind, his black cargo pants billowing slightly. His ice blue eyes looked on in satisfaction at the unloading situation, a small grin on his face. Suddenly, his gaze cocked towards them, and he turned. With a bound, he leapt down from atop the giant titanium block. As he moved towards them slowly, his smile broadened. Shinji desperately resisted the urge to shudder, as those cold eyes seemed to be peering into his soul through his own eyes. This was the Sixth Child.
The boy halted before them, and bowed. "Konichiwa, Pilot Ikari. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." The boy's voice had a strange accent in it that Shinji couldn't quite place. Nevertheless, he smiled and returned the bow.
Even before he straightened, the boy's gaze shifted to Asuka. His hand shot out as he rose to face her, grasping her hand gently in his. "Ah! And you must be Asuka Langley Sohryu, the Second Child! The honor is mine." The German girl frowned slightly at the compliment, as if not sure whether to take it as one.
Turning his attention to the both of them, he announced, "I am Sir Colin Fredricksen, the Sixth Child. Ah, I've waited so long to meet the both of you."
Asuka smirked. "Aren't you a bit young to be a Sir?" She asked him, doubt evident in her voice.
The Sixth Child smiled. "It does seem strange, doesn't it? I thought so too, at first. You see, because I was chosen to be an Eva pilot, I was knighted. But, for God's sake, don't call me sir. Just Colin."
Shinji looked at him in a somewhat confused way for a moment, before speaking. "Just curious, Colin, where are you from?"
Colin opened his jacket in reply, revealing a design of the flag of the United Kingdom on the shirt he wore underneath. He laughed. "Satisfied?"
Asuka merely gave him another strange look and turned away as Misato approached the three. Shinji looked past her, as something caught his eye. There was a man in a suit, with black, shoulder-length hair and a thin beard staring after her, with a look that could either be seen as sadness or amusement.
"Ah," the Major said warmly. "I see you two have already met the Sixth Child."
Turning to the new pilot, she said, "Good day, Colin."
"And the same to you, Major," the boy replied, flashing a quick military salute. "If I may ask, where will I be staying here in Tokyo-3?"
Misato smiled. "Well, there had been several options at first… but it has been determined that you will be taken into my custody."
"WHAT?!" Asuka screamed, nearly falling over. "Why did you…? How could you do this to me?" It was obvious that she already didn't like the looks of the newcomer.
Colin frowned slightly at her reaction, but attempted a small grin. "It's alright. I can stay somewhere else…" he began.
Misato shook her head. "Judging from recent… circumstances, I think it's best that you stay with us."
The Sixth Child sighed, looking sadly at the fuming Asuka. "Well, don't worry, Miss Sohryu… I don't take up much space. You could stow me in a closet." This friendly remark only seemed to make the German girl angrier.
"I don't think there will be any need for that, Colin," Misato replied, slightly amused. "I have an extra futon sitting around somewhere."
"Thank you, Major," Colin replied, smiling at her.
"Please, please," the woman said, raising her hands to make a stopping motion. "Just call me Misato."
"And just call me Shinji," the Third piped in, seeing a good opportunity.
Colin turned back to Asuka. "And are we on first- name terms as well, Miss Sohryu?"
She returned his gaze. "For now… unless you start acting as annoying as baka- Shinji. If not, that should be fine."
++++++
As Misato's car roared down the streets back to her apartment, Shinji glanced over at Colin from time to time. The Sixth Child seemed as if he was always preoccupied with some strange or confusing thought, as he kept his eyes focused on the scenery flying by, brow furrowed in deep concentration.
Of course, Shinji had thoughts of his own. Staring at the floor between his legs, he let all of these thoughts envelop him. Why was Asuka acting so strangely? The thought came to his mind instantly. She had been acting so unlike herself ever since she had awoken out of her coma. Looking up to stare out the car window at the images of buildings rushing past, he simply dismissed it as a bizarre Asuka quality.
He sighed slightly. So many things to think about, and the new pilot and Eva worried him most.
++++++
Pen Pen looked up from his beer as the door to the Katsuragi apartment swung open, and in walked the major, Shinji and Asuka entering in her wake. 'What's this?' The penguin thought, cocking his head to one side in confusion, as he saw another figure enter behind them. He thought for a moment that it might be one of Shinji's friends, but he quickly dismissed that possibility, as he had never seen this blond-haired boy before.
Kicking off her shoes, Asuka immediately retreated to the isolation of her room. Seeing the German girl do this yet again, Misato simply sighed. At times, it seemed as if the Second Child was becoming more distant.
Pen Pen looked on curiously as the new boy hefted an item of baggage off the floor and immediately proceeded down the small hallway.
++++++
Colin dropped his belongings on the floor of his new bedroom, the only spare room left in this apartment that had once held Asuka's extra "luggage". With a sigh, he began unpacking. Mentally, he cursed at himself. He was already beginning to miss his home. He had truly fallen in love with England.
Taking a bundle of clothes into his arms, he convinced himself that his stay in Japan should be interesting.
++++++
Misato glanced up from her can of beer to see Colin making his way through the kitchen and towards the bath. The boy must have had a long, hard trip; flying all the way from Europe to Japan on a cargo airline.
Looking across the table at Asuka, she frowned, doing her best to conceal this with the beer can. Something strange was troubling her. She thought that it might have something to do with the Sixth, whom Asuka probably only saw as a new adversary… but the girl's problems had begun before news of the Sixth was even announced. Shinji, on the other hand, seemed to be taking this situation well, barely reacting to the newcomer at all so far. He already treated Colin with respect and friendliness, as was custom.
Suddenly, though she didn't know why, a thought struck Misato: Where had Pen Pen been for so long?
"DEAR GOD!" The sudden scream of utter shock almost caused Misato to spew her beer out all over the table. Asuka had burst out laughing, nearly falling out of her chair. It seemed as though she had already figured out what had happened before the Major did. Shinji, chopping vegetables for the soup, was frowning; he didn't quite understand what was going on.
They all turned their attention to the doorway as Colin skidded out into plain view, a damp towel wrapped around his waist, water dripping from him. His face was as white as Rei's plug suit, and he was visibly shaken. Misato fought the urge to laugh, but was glad that he was wearing the towel. Two questions had been answered at once.
The Sixth Child looked down in utter horror as Pen Pen suddenly waddled out from behind him with a towel around the creature's neck. Looking up, the boy turned to Misato with wide, confused eyes. "A p-p- penguin? In your b-bathroom?"
Shinji's face turned white as well, now. He had gone through the exact same thing. His gaze shot from a look of pity at poor Colin to a scornful glare at the hysterical Asuka. He swallowed in nervousness.
Misato was doing her best to maintain her composure and keep a straight face. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you about Pen Pen. The thought never crossed my mind."
Colin turned his attention back to the penguin, who was climbing into his refrigerator. He looked at the creature suspiciously until the refrigerator door closed. "Right…" he mumbled, before turning and walking back to the bathroom.
Wiping a tear from her eye, Asuka climbed back into her chair, still grinning. Maybe Colin's stay wouldn't be too bad, after all.
++++++
Shinji lay on his bed, staring once again at the blank ceiling as he had done so many times before. He had gotten into a strange habit of doing this, even if nothing was really bothering him, which was rare.
He almost smiled, as he realized that Colin reminded him somewhat of the days when he had first arrived at Misato's apartment, and when he had met Asuka for the first time. He couldn't figure out why this was, and so he simply took comfort in the feeling. But he couldn't help wondering why NERV would need another pilot. The Angels were gone, weren't they? And Third Impact had failed. The world seemed safe.
Trying to break away from his realm of thoughts, Shinji slowly drifted off into peaceful sleep, for once not caring what the next day would bring.
++++++
I hope I get more reviews now! And soon, I will begin posting some of my hand-drawn Evangelion pictures on my website in the gallery section, including a picture of Colin with Unit 06.
By: Langerhast
Chapter Two
++++++
It seemed as if hours had passed when the soft engine drone reached Shinji's ears. Slowly, he lifted his head out of his hands, to see the massive gray cargo plane pulling into the runway. As soon as Misato nudged him, he knew that this must be the aircraft they were waiting for.
Both pilots and their guardian stood, and found their way to the exit. Misato emerged from the building swaggering formally, holding herself in a way that her rank truly showed. Shinji and Asuka followed casually behind, Asuka's hair whipping viciously in the wind. 'How fitting…' Shinji thought.
By the time they approached the behemoth, dozens of men and women were already swarming about beneath it, busily unloading giant pieces of cargo. It rested on top of a humongous metal cage, which held it high off of the runway. Shinji could see why; beneath the aircraft, the dormant form of what could only be Unit 06 lay. Areas of teal and gray interrupted the jet-black armor of its body at points, and the hideous grin made it seem like a bizarre combination of Units 01 and 03.
Both pilots looked on in satisfaction as the Major continued ahead, finally mingling with the crowd of workers to inspect the work. She seemed as if she were searching for someone in particular.
The pilots began to make their way among the steel poles and monstrous crates, being cautious so as to stay out of the way of those busy unloading.
Suddenly, both Shinji and Asuka felt compelled to stop. They had no idea what caused it. The two looked casually around them, until Shinji's gaze came to rest on a lone figure standing atop one of the towering crates. It was a boy, no older than himself, who stood confidently with his long black jacket whipping in the wind, his black cargo pants billowing slightly. His ice blue eyes looked on in satisfaction at the unloading situation, a small grin on his face. Suddenly, his gaze cocked towards them, and he turned. With a bound, he leapt down from atop the giant titanium block. As he moved towards them slowly, his smile broadened. Shinji desperately resisted the urge to shudder, as those cold eyes seemed to be peering into his soul through his own eyes. This was the Sixth Child.
The boy halted before them, and bowed. "Konichiwa, Pilot Ikari. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." The boy's voice had a strange accent in it that Shinji couldn't quite place. Nevertheless, he smiled and returned the bow.
Even before he straightened, the boy's gaze shifted to Asuka. His hand shot out as he rose to face her, grasping her hand gently in his. "Ah! And you must be Asuka Langley Sohryu, the Second Child! The honor is mine." The German girl frowned slightly at the compliment, as if not sure whether to take it as one.
Turning his attention to the both of them, he announced, "I am Sir Colin Fredricksen, the Sixth Child. Ah, I've waited so long to meet the both of you."
Asuka smirked. "Aren't you a bit young to be a Sir?" She asked him, doubt evident in her voice.
The Sixth Child smiled. "It does seem strange, doesn't it? I thought so too, at first. You see, because I was chosen to be an Eva pilot, I was knighted. But, for God's sake, don't call me sir. Just Colin."
Shinji looked at him in a somewhat confused way for a moment, before speaking. "Just curious, Colin, where are you from?"
Colin opened his jacket in reply, revealing a design of the flag of the United Kingdom on the shirt he wore underneath. He laughed. "Satisfied?"
Asuka merely gave him another strange look and turned away as Misato approached the three. Shinji looked past her, as something caught his eye. There was a man in a suit, with black, shoulder-length hair and a thin beard staring after her, with a look that could either be seen as sadness or amusement.
"Ah," the Major said warmly. "I see you two have already met the Sixth Child."
Turning to the new pilot, she said, "Good day, Colin."
"And the same to you, Major," the boy replied, flashing a quick military salute. "If I may ask, where will I be staying here in Tokyo-3?"
Misato smiled. "Well, there had been several options at first… but it has been determined that you will be taken into my custody."
"WHAT?!" Asuka screamed, nearly falling over. "Why did you…? How could you do this to me?" It was obvious that she already didn't like the looks of the newcomer.
Colin frowned slightly at her reaction, but attempted a small grin. "It's alright. I can stay somewhere else…" he began.
Misato shook her head. "Judging from recent… circumstances, I think it's best that you stay with us."
The Sixth Child sighed, looking sadly at the fuming Asuka. "Well, don't worry, Miss Sohryu… I don't take up much space. You could stow me in a closet." This friendly remark only seemed to make the German girl angrier.
"I don't think there will be any need for that, Colin," Misato replied, slightly amused. "I have an extra futon sitting around somewhere."
"Thank you, Major," Colin replied, smiling at her.
"Please, please," the woman said, raising her hands to make a stopping motion. "Just call me Misato."
"And just call me Shinji," the Third piped in, seeing a good opportunity.
Colin turned back to Asuka. "And are we on first- name terms as well, Miss Sohryu?"
She returned his gaze. "For now… unless you start acting as annoying as baka- Shinji. If not, that should be fine."
++++++
As Misato's car roared down the streets back to her apartment, Shinji glanced over at Colin from time to time. The Sixth Child seemed as if he was always preoccupied with some strange or confusing thought, as he kept his eyes focused on the scenery flying by, brow furrowed in deep concentration.
Of course, Shinji had thoughts of his own. Staring at the floor between his legs, he let all of these thoughts envelop him. Why was Asuka acting so strangely? The thought came to his mind instantly. She had been acting so unlike herself ever since she had awoken out of her coma. Looking up to stare out the car window at the images of buildings rushing past, he simply dismissed it as a bizarre Asuka quality.
He sighed slightly. So many things to think about, and the new pilot and Eva worried him most.
++++++
Pen Pen looked up from his beer as the door to the Katsuragi apartment swung open, and in walked the major, Shinji and Asuka entering in her wake. 'What's this?' The penguin thought, cocking his head to one side in confusion, as he saw another figure enter behind them. He thought for a moment that it might be one of Shinji's friends, but he quickly dismissed that possibility, as he had never seen this blond-haired boy before.
Kicking off her shoes, Asuka immediately retreated to the isolation of her room. Seeing the German girl do this yet again, Misato simply sighed. At times, it seemed as if the Second Child was becoming more distant.
Pen Pen looked on curiously as the new boy hefted an item of baggage off the floor and immediately proceeded down the small hallway.
++++++
Colin dropped his belongings on the floor of his new bedroom, the only spare room left in this apartment that had once held Asuka's extra "luggage". With a sigh, he began unpacking. Mentally, he cursed at himself. He was already beginning to miss his home. He had truly fallen in love with England.
Taking a bundle of clothes into his arms, he convinced himself that his stay in Japan should be interesting.
++++++
Misato glanced up from her can of beer to see Colin making his way through the kitchen and towards the bath. The boy must have had a long, hard trip; flying all the way from Europe to Japan on a cargo airline.
Looking across the table at Asuka, she frowned, doing her best to conceal this with the beer can. Something strange was troubling her. She thought that it might have something to do with the Sixth, whom Asuka probably only saw as a new adversary… but the girl's problems had begun before news of the Sixth was even announced. Shinji, on the other hand, seemed to be taking this situation well, barely reacting to the newcomer at all so far. He already treated Colin with respect and friendliness, as was custom.
Suddenly, though she didn't know why, a thought struck Misato: Where had Pen Pen been for so long?
"DEAR GOD!" The sudden scream of utter shock almost caused Misato to spew her beer out all over the table. Asuka had burst out laughing, nearly falling out of her chair. It seemed as though she had already figured out what had happened before the Major did. Shinji, chopping vegetables for the soup, was frowning; he didn't quite understand what was going on.
They all turned their attention to the doorway as Colin skidded out into plain view, a damp towel wrapped around his waist, water dripping from him. His face was as white as Rei's plug suit, and he was visibly shaken. Misato fought the urge to laugh, but was glad that he was wearing the towel. Two questions had been answered at once.
The Sixth Child looked down in utter horror as Pen Pen suddenly waddled out from behind him with a towel around the creature's neck. Looking up, the boy turned to Misato with wide, confused eyes. "A p-p- penguin? In your b-bathroom?"
Shinji's face turned white as well, now. He had gone through the exact same thing. His gaze shot from a look of pity at poor Colin to a scornful glare at the hysterical Asuka. He swallowed in nervousness.
Misato was doing her best to maintain her composure and keep a straight face. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you about Pen Pen. The thought never crossed my mind."
Colin turned his attention back to the penguin, who was climbing into his refrigerator. He looked at the creature suspiciously until the refrigerator door closed. "Right…" he mumbled, before turning and walking back to the bathroom.
Wiping a tear from her eye, Asuka climbed back into her chair, still grinning. Maybe Colin's stay wouldn't be too bad, after all.
++++++
Shinji lay on his bed, staring once again at the blank ceiling as he had done so many times before. He had gotten into a strange habit of doing this, even if nothing was really bothering him, which was rare.
He almost smiled, as he realized that Colin reminded him somewhat of the days when he had first arrived at Misato's apartment, and when he had met Asuka for the first time. He couldn't figure out why this was, and so he simply took comfort in the feeling. But he couldn't help wondering why NERV would need another pilot. The Angels were gone, weren't they? And Third Impact had failed. The world seemed safe.
Trying to break away from his realm of thoughts, Shinji slowly drifted off into peaceful sleep, for once not caring what the next day would bring.
++++++
I hope I get more reviews now! And soon, I will begin posting some of my hand-drawn Evangelion pictures on my website in the gallery section, including a picture of Colin with Unit 06.