Slave to the Machine
By: Langerhast
Chapter Six
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I am extremely distressed by the lack of good Shinji/Asuka fics out there on fanfiction.net at this time (Ever since Ryoma finished his story… sigh). And so I am trying to post the next few chapters to this as quickly as possible.
++++++
"I wonder when Misato will be home? She didn't tell us she was working late…" Shinji asked to no one in particular as he sat and stared out at the rain trickling down the window outside. The sky was dark and gray, and endless torrents poured forth from the heavens.
"Don't worry about it, baka…" Asuka scoffed, flipping through page after page in her German magazine. Colin simply sat against the wall and watched them both out of the corner of his eye, not saying anything.
Shinji turned away from the window, his deep blue eyes closed. "If you're sure… but I have a bad feeling…"
Asuka growled. "Stop being so paranoid. So she's late… that happens with her all the time! You know how Misato is…"
Colin simply closed his eyes and frowned.
++++++
Misato walked steadily through the dark cavern that was the NERV parking area, illuminated only by the small white lights implanted in the concrete and steel pillars. Shadows lurked everywhere… the Major had never really liked that place.
She could see her car ahead; the ravaged blue sports car sat in wait. Suddenly, she stopped… she had heard a strange noise, coming from somewhere around her.
She glanced around, but soon shook her head and kept on walking. Suddenly, the very same noise reached her ears… the sharp sound of steel on concrete. This time, strangely, it seemed slightly closer.
Now, she was almost to her car. She was about to pull the key from her pocket, when again the noise reached her ears. She pulled her handgun from its holster, and whirled around. At first she saw nothing in the blackness of the pillars, but then she gasped.
And then there was darkness.
++++++
Now, Shinji had truly begun to worry. He stared anxiously again and again out of the window. The rain was still pounding down. Sighing, he let his head drop.
It was not only that Misato was being far to late in returning, nor that she hadn't given them any prior notice, but that he simply felt something wrong, deep in his bones. It was persistent, and he couldn't ignore it.
He looked up to gaze out the window once more, and was surprised to feel a few strands of soft hair on the side of his face. He turned his head, to find that Asuka was sitting there next to him, staring out the rain- glazed window as well.
"So you're nervous too, Asuka?" He asked softly, a small smile forming on his lips as he looked at her.
Asuka blushed. "Well, she has been gone really late…"
Shinji nodded. And then, suddenly, he remembered that day at the hospital; that was the first time he had ever truly felt close to Asuka. And now, he was feeling it again, as she sat beside him near the window. He couldn't bring himself to say anything; all he could do was smile.
Suddenly, he could notice a sad look on her face. It hadn't been there a moment before… but then again, Asuka did change her moods rapidly. This look concerned Shinji, even more now than it had in the past… he didn't know why. He suppressed a surprised look as he found that he was putting his arm gently around her shoulders.
For a moment, Asuka didn't seem to notice what was happening, and an almost content look could be seen in her eyes. But just as soon as this happened, the mood changed.
The German girl jumped up, backing away with a grimace on her face. "BAKA HENTAI!!!" She screamed at him. "Trying to feel me up while you had an opportunity? You boys are all the same!"
"But, Asuka…" Shinji began, looking disappointed. "I wasn't trying to…"
"Don't give me any of your crap! You think I'm fragile, don't you! You want to take advantage of me!"
"Damnit, Asuka, that's not true!" Shinji finally yelled back at her, his eyes clenched shut. The girl's words had stabbed him like a knife.
The German redhead was wide- eyed with shock. Once again she had rejected Shinji's care… and he had yelled back at her once again. "Fine, then!" She screamed, tears forming in her eyes. "Think whatever you want! BAKA!" And with that she stormed off into the hallway. A few seconds later, Shinji heard a door slam shut.
Back in his darkened corner, Colin winced. "Flames and ice…" he whispered to himself.
Shinji just slumped to the floor, feeling the tears come. He had been pushed away yet again… by the only girl he had these true feelings for. He had tried to tell her that he cared; but that didn't seem to matter. It didn't seem as though she cared. He didn't think that she ever would.
++++++
Another morning had come to Shinji Ikari, much to his displeasure. After what had happened the previous night, he didn't think that he would be able to face anything… much less Asuka or Colin. His only comfort was that it was Sunday, and he had no school. Drowsily, he pulled the thin covers back over his head in an attempt to shut out the day.
He was finally drifting off into his own world when a sharp knock at the door snapped him back to reality. He frowned; it was probably Asuka. "Go away…" he mumbled loudly, clenching the covers tightly.
"Off your ass, Shinji my friend! I know it is early, but we are needed." The Japanese sighed slightly, recognizing the voice almost instantly. But it was not a great comfort, even though he knew it was not his redheaded roommate.
Shinji's reply was another half-hearted murmur. "Why, Colin? Why do they need us now? NERV never leaves us alone…"
Colin, who was now standing in the open doorway, shrugged. "I don't know. I just answered a call from NERV, and since Misato is still gone, I decided to come in and wake you up."
Shinji sat up and gave Colin a weak grin, despite how he was frowning with worry inside. 'Misato still hasn't come back?' he thought. "That's good," he said. "I was afraid that Asuka would beat you to it."
Colin's grin turned to a frown. "She's not feeling well now… I'll need your help to force her to come."
Shinji's eyes took on a sad light. He didn't think that he was worthy of being near Asuka now… maybe not ever. It didn't seem as though she wanted him to be around. After several moments of internal struggle, though, he finally relented. "Fine…" he said. "Just as soon as I get dressed."
++++++
Two men stood in the vast, darkened room, facing a desk and the man seated behind it. Both of the standing wore long, dark colored trench coats, surprisingly informal for a meeting with Commander Ikari.
Gendo Ikari grinned at the two men from behind his gloved hands, which were folded in front of his face in his trademark sinister fashion. "Gentlemen," he began, his dark eyes never shifting. "I am sure that you are aware of the grave danger that has befallen us."
One of the men began looking around nervously, finding it somewhat difficult to carry on a conversation without having a good solid wall to lean against. But Ryoji Kaji had learned many things from dealing with the Commander, and one of them was to always maintain a dignified posture in his presence.
Kaji stared back at the Commander grimly, beginning to speak. "Yes," he said. "Major Katsuragi is missing. My sources suspect an abduction." The words scratched slightly at his heart, but he fought to not let any emotion show. Yes, even Kaji cared at times.
Gendo Ikari did not smile, and there was no hint of gratefulness in his voice. "I am pleased that you are 'back from the dead' Mr. Ryoji. Your services will be appreciated. I suppose, though, that you already have a vague idea of what I will command you to do." The unshaven man nodded in response. "You, Mr. Kaji, are to track down the Major using any resources necessary. She is vital to this operation, and I do not think that the Children can afford to lose her for motivational purposes. It would be difficult to force them to fight, otherwise."
And then, he turned his attention to the other man, who was standing patiently. "And you, Dr. Thames," he began, "I have a very different task for you. I need you to monitor the Children closely until Major Katsuragi is recovered, or until further notice."
"Yes…" Thames said, giving a nod.
"Both of you are dismissed, then. The Children will be arriving soon for testing, and I believe that may be an excellent opportunity for you, Dr. Thames."
The man nodded again, before turning and striding towards the exit, his trench coat waving slightly as he moved. Without a moment's hesitation, Kaji followed suit, walking slightly hunched with his hands in his pockets. He really hated that place.
++++++
Shinji, Colin, and Asuka proceeded down the long hallways of NERV, towards their locker rooms. All three walked in silence, and Shinji didn't dare to look in Asuka's direction. He kept his head down, staring at the steel floor.
After what seemed like forever, they finally reached the doorway they were searching for. Colin and Asuka quickly entered, and just when Shinji was about to step through, he was halted by an unknown voice behind him.
He turned around, and was immediately greeted by the sight of a man in a long dark cloak. He had black hair that reached nearly to his shoulders, and a thin beard across his chin. Shinji suddenly recognized him as that man he saw Misato talking with at Tokyo Airport so many weeks ago.
The man in front of Shinji smiled, adding just a hint of warmth to that unshaven appearance. He looked, in a way, like Kaji. "Shinji Ikari, is it?" he asked; Shinji nodded. "Come with me. I need to talk to you."
Shinji was a bit startled. "But, my sync training…"
"They won't miss you for this one exercise," the man replied. He turned, and beckoned for Shinji to follow him. With only a sight moment of hesitation, Shinji took up a pace behind the man.
Shortly afterwards, they reached the employee's lounge, with its drink dispensers and solid white walls. The man took a seat on one of the cushioned benches, and Shinji sat down beside him.
Then, the man turned to Shinji. "So," he said "please pardon me if I sound a bit… unsteady. My Japanese isn't what it should be." Shinji nodded. "I just wanted to talk to you to see how you were doing. I want a chance to speak with all of you… the famous pilots of the Evangelions, saviors of humanity!"
Shinji managed a small grin. "I'm doing all right, I suppose… but, if I may ask, what is your name?"
The man nearly smacked his forehead. "Of course!" he exclaimed. "How rude of me. I am Dr. Scott J. Thames, from the NERV First Branch in America. But now, on with why I came here. Is everything… all right with you and the other pilots?"
"No…" Shinji said sadly. But inside, his worries raged at him. 'Why is this man so interested in the others and me? Maybe my father sent him… that must be it.'
"Well then, what is wrong?" Scott asked in a somewhat concerned way, but his voice had more of a curious tone to it.
"God, I… Asuka hates me." 'Why did I just tell him that?' Shinji asked himself, frustrated. 'It must be because I… trust him. But why?'
"Pilot of Unit 02?" The American exclaimed in surprise. 'But ever since I had discovered that Shinji had gone to visit her in the hospital room, I thought that something was between them,' he thought.
Shinji's head sunk lower, and tears began to form at the corners of his eyes. "And Rei… I'm afraid of Rei. I always have been, ever since the… Seventeenth Angel came." 'I nearly said Kaoru…' he thought. "It seems that Colin is one of the few friends I have left. He's certainly the only other pilot who even listens to me now."
"Well, it is good to hear that you still have friends…" Scott replied. "I've known Colin for a while, and I'm glad that he's finally been able to get over his own problems."
The Third Child cocked an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. 'So Colin has had problems too…. I doubt that they were nearly as bad as mine.' Finally, he raised his head, to look into Scott's brown eyes. "But… why are you here? Why is Colin really here?"
Dr. Thames sighed, resting his elbows on his knees. "Well, that is a fairly long explanation, but you are a pilot, so I suppose I can tell you. Are you sure you want to hear it?"
Shinji simply nodded in response, his sad blue eyes fixed upon the Doctor's face.
Scott smiled. "Well then, this is how it happened…"
++++++
Asuka, Colin and Rei had just made their way from the locker rooms and had begun walking down the illuminated hallways, looking for Shinji. At least, that is what Colin was doing.
Rei's intentions were hard to determine behind that solemn face of hers, and the grimace that Asuka wore hinted that Shinji was the last thing she wanted to find.
Colin had been glancing through the doorways to room after room, and without seeing any sign of Shinji, he finally stopped. 'He'll meet us at the entrance,' he reasoned with himself. 'Since he wasn't at training, he's probably talking with the Commander or Dr. Scott or something.'
Suddenly, the three halted, as the lights began to flicker unsteadily. Colin glanced up at the ceiling nervously. "I didn't think that NERV lights were supposed to do that…"
Rei shivered slightly. "Something is wrong," she said in her monotone.
"Damn lights…" Asuka hissed.
Suddenly, with a final weak shudder, the overhead lights blacked out completely. Colin blinked in surprise as he was suddenly engulfed in darkness. He jumped as he heard the muffled scream beside him.
The lights flickered back on almost as soon as they had gone out, revealing the long hallway once more. Colin looked around, his eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness. Gradually, he began to notice that something was missing.
Rei was staring at the floor with a strange expression on her face. Her eyes were fixed on the small pool on crimson on the metallic floor.
And then, the realization struck Colin. The scream he had heard was Asuka's.
Frantically, he began looking up and down the corridor, and Rei did the same. The blood began to dry.
"Pilot Sohryu?"
"Asuka?"
++++++
I'm sorry that it took so long to get that posted. I've been extremely busy lately, and I haven't had much time for writing. Nonetheless, more will come!
By: Langerhast
Chapter Six
++++++
I am extremely distressed by the lack of good Shinji/Asuka fics out there on fanfiction.net at this time (Ever since Ryoma finished his story… sigh). And so I am trying to post the next few chapters to this as quickly as possible.
++++++
"I wonder when Misato will be home? She didn't tell us she was working late…" Shinji asked to no one in particular as he sat and stared out at the rain trickling down the window outside. The sky was dark and gray, and endless torrents poured forth from the heavens.
"Don't worry about it, baka…" Asuka scoffed, flipping through page after page in her German magazine. Colin simply sat against the wall and watched them both out of the corner of his eye, not saying anything.
Shinji turned away from the window, his deep blue eyes closed. "If you're sure… but I have a bad feeling…"
Asuka growled. "Stop being so paranoid. So she's late… that happens with her all the time! You know how Misato is…"
Colin simply closed his eyes and frowned.
++++++
Misato walked steadily through the dark cavern that was the NERV parking area, illuminated only by the small white lights implanted in the concrete and steel pillars. Shadows lurked everywhere… the Major had never really liked that place.
She could see her car ahead; the ravaged blue sports car sat in wait. Suddenly, she stopped… she had heard a strange noise, coming from somewhere around her.
She glanced around, but soon shook her head and kept on walking. Suddenly, the very same noise reached her ears… the sharp sound of steel on concrete. This time, strangely, it seemed slightly closer.
Now, she was almost to her car. She was about to pull the key from her pocket, when again the noise reached her ears. She pulled her handgun from its holster, and whirled around. At first she saw nothing in the blackness of the pillars, but then she gasped.
And then there was darkness.
++++++
Now, Shinji had truly begun to worry. He stared anxiously again and again out of the window. The rain was still pounding down. Sighing, he let his head drop.
It was not only that Misato was being far to late in returning, nor that she hadn't given them any prior notice, but that he simply felt something wrong, deep in his bones. It was persistent, and he couldn't ignore it.
He looked up to gaze out the window once more, and was surprised to feel a few strands of soft hair on the side of his face. He turned his head, to find that Asuka was sitting there next to him, staring out the rain- glazed window as well.
"So you're nervous too, Asuka?" He asked softly, a small smile forming on his lips as he looked at her.
Asuka blushed. "Well, she has been gone really late…"
Shinji nodded. And then, suddenly, he remembered that day at the hospital; that was the first time he had ever truly felt close to Asuka. And now, he was feeling it again, as she sat beside him near the window. He couldn't bring himself to say anything; all he could do was smile.
Suddenly, he could notice a sad look on her face. It hadn't been there a moment before… but then again, Asuka did change her moods rapidly. This look concerned Shinji, even more now than it had in the past… he didn't know why. He suppressed a surprised look as he found that he was putting his arm gently around her shoulders.
For a moment, Asuka didn't seem to notice what was happening, and an almost content look could be seen in her eyes. But just as soon as this happened, the mood changed.
The German girl jumped up, backing away with a grimace on her face. "BAKA HENTAI!!!" She screamed at him. "Trying to feel me up while you had an opportunity? You boys are all the same!"
"But, Asuka…" Shinji began, looking disappointed. "I wasn't trying to…"
"Don't give me any of your crap! You think I'm fragile, don't you! You want to take advantage of me!"
"Damnit, Asuka, that's not true!" Shinji finally yelled back at her, his eyes clenched shut. The girl's words had stabbed him like a knife.
The German redhead was wide- eyed with shock. Once again she had rejected Shinji's care… and he had yelled back at her once again. "Fine, then!" She screamed, tears forming in her eyes. "Think whatever you want! BAKA!" And with that she stormed off into the hallway. A few seconds later, Shinji heard a door slam shut.
Back in his darkened corner, Colin winced. "Flames and ice…" he whispered to himself.
Shinji just slumped to the floor, feeling the tears come. He had been pushed away yet again… by the only girl he had these true feelings for. He had tried to tell her that he cared; but that didn't seem to matter. It didn't seem as though she cared. He didn't think that she ever would.
++++++
Another morning had come to Shinji Ikari, much to his displeasure. After what had happened the previous night, he didn't think that he would be able to face anything… much less Asuka or Colin. His only comfort was that it was Sunday, and he had no school. Drowsily, he pulled the thin covers back over his head in an attempt to shut out the day.
He was finally drifting off into his own world when a sharp knock at the door snapped him back to reality. He frowned; it was probably Asuka. "Go away…" he mumbled loudly, clenching the covers tightly.
"Off your ass, Shinji my friend! I know it is early, but we are needed." The Japanese sighed slightly, recognizing the voice almost instantly. But it was not a great comfort, even though he knew it was not his redheaded roommate.
Shinji's reply was another half-hearted murmur. "Why, Colin? Why do they need us now? NERV never leaves us alone…"
Colin, who was now standing in the open doorway, shrugged. "I don't know. I just answered a call from NERV, and since Misato is still gone, I decided to come in and wake you up."
Shinji sat up and gave Colin a weak grin, despite how he was frowning with worry inside. 'Misato still hasn't come back?' he thought. "That's good," he said. "I was afraid that Asuka would beat you to it."
Colin's grin turned to a frown. "She's not feeling well now… I'll need your help to force her to come."
Shinji's eyes took on a sad light. He didn't think that he was worthy of being near Asuka now… maybe not ever. It didn't seem as though she wanted him to be around. After several moments of internal struggle, though, he finally relented. "Fine…" he said. "Just as soon as I get dressed."
++++++
Two men stood in the vast, darkened room, facing a desk and the man seated behind it. Both of the standing wore long, dark colored trench coats, surprisingly informal for a meeting with Commander Ikari.
Gendo Ikari grinned at the two men from behind his gloved hands, which were folded in front of his face in his trademark sinister fashion. "Gentlemen," he began, his dark eyes never shifting. "I am sure that you are aware of the grave danger that has befallen us."
One of the men began looking around nervously, finding it somewhat difficult to carry on a conversation without having a good solid wall to lean against. But Ryoji Kaji had learned many things from dealing with the Commander, and one of them was to always maintain a dignified posture in his presence.
Kaji stared back at the Commander grimly, beginning to speak. "Yes," he said. "Major Katsuragi is missing. My sources suspect an abduction." The words scratched slightly at his heart, but he fought to not let any emotion show. Yes, even Kaji cared at times.
Gendo Ikari did not smile, and there was no hint of gratefulness in his voice. "I am pleased that you are 'back from the dead' Mr. Ryoji. Your services will be appreciated. I suppose, though, that you already have a vague idea of what I will command you to do." The unshaven man nodded in response. "You, Mr. Kaji, are to track down the Major using any resources necessary. She is vital to this operation, and I do not think that the Children can afford to lose her for motivational purposes. It would be difficult to force them to fight, otherwise."
And then, he turned his attention to the other man, who was standing patiently. "And you, Dr. Thames," he began, "I have a very different task for you. I need you to monitor the Children closely until Major Katsuragi is recovered, or until further notice."
"Yes…" Thames said, giving a nod.
"Both of you are dismissed, then. The Children will be arriving soon for testing, and I believe that may be an excellent opportunity for you, Dr. Thames."
The man nodded again, before turning and striding towards the exit, his trench coat waving slightly as he moved. Without a moment's hesitation, Kaji followed suit, walking slightly hunched with his hands in his pockets. He really hated that place.
++++++
Shinji, Colin, and Asuka proceeded down the long hallways of NERV, towards their locker rooms. All three walked in silence, and Shinji didn't dare to look in Asuka's direction. He kept his head down, staring at the steel floor.
After what seemed like forever, they finally reached the doorway they were searching for. Colin and Asuka quickly entered, and just when Shinji was about to step through, he was halted by an unknown voice behind him.
He turned around, and was immediately greeted by the sight of a man in a long dark cloak. He had black hair that reached nearly to his shoulders, and a thin beard across his chin. Shinji suddenly recognized him as that man he saw Misato talking with at Tokyo Airport so many weeks ago.
The man in front of Shinji smiled, adding just a hint of warmth to that unshaven appearance. He looked, in a way, like Kaji. "Shinji Ikari, is it?" he asked; Shinji nodded. "Come with me. I need to talk to you."
Shinji was a bit startled. "But, my sync training…"
"They won't miss you for this one exercise," the man replied. He turned, and beckoned for Shinji to follow him. With only a sight moment of hesitation, Shinji took up a pace behind the man.
Shortly afterwards, they reached the employee's lounge, with its drink dispensers and solid white walls. The man took a seat on one of the cushioned benches, and Shinji sat down beside him.
Then, the man turned to Shinji. "So," he said "please pardon me if I sound a bit… unsteady. My Japanese isn't what it should be." Shinji nodded. "I just wanted to talk to you to see how you were doing. I want a chance to speak with all of you… the famous pilots of the Evangelions, saviors of humanity!"
Shinji managed a small grin. "I'm doing all right, I suppose… but, if I may ask, what is your name?"
The man nearly smacked his forehead. "Of course!" he exclaimed. "How rude of me. I am Dr. Scott J. Thames, from the NERV First Branch in America. But now, on with why I came here. Is everything… all right with you and the other pilots?"
"No…" Shinji said sadly. But inside, his worries raged at him. 'Why is this man so interested in the others and me? Maybe my father sent him… that must be it.'
"Well then, what is wrong?" Scott asked in a somewhat concerned way, but his voice had more of a curious tone to it.
"God, I… Asuka hates me." 'Why did I just tell him that?' Shinji asked himself, frustrated. 'It must be because I… trust him. But why?'
"Pilot of Unit 02?" The American exclaimed in surprise. 'But ever since I had discovered that Shinji had gone to visit her in the hospital room, I thought that something was between them,' he thought.
Shinji's head sunk lower, and tears began to form at the corners of his eyes. "And Rei… I'm afraid of Rei. I always have been, ever since the… Seventeenth Angel came." 'I nearly said Kaoru…' he thought. "It seems that Colin is one of the few friends I have left. He's certainly the only other pilot who even listens to me now."
"Well, it is good to hear that you still have friends…" Scott replied. "I've known Colin for a while, and I'm glad that he's finally been able to get over his own problems."
The Third Child cocked an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. 'So Colin has had problems too…. I doubt that they were nearly as bad as mine.' Finally, he raised his head, to look into Scott's brown eyes. "But… why are you here? Why is Colin really here?"
Dr. Thames sighed, resting his elbows on his knees. "Well, that is a fairly long explanation, but you are a pilot, so I suppose I can tell you. Are you sure you want to hear it?"
Shinji simply nodded in response, his sad blue eyes fixed upon the Doctor's face.
Scott smiled. "Well then, this is how it happened…"
++++++
Asuka, Colin and Rei had just made their way from the locker rooms and had begun walking down the illuminated hallways, looking for Shinji. At least, that is what Colin was doing.
Rei's intentions were hard to determine behind that solemn face of hers, and the grimace that Asuka wore hinted that Shinji was the last thing she wanted to find.
Colin had been glancing through the doorways to room after room, and without seeing any sign of Shinji, he finally stopped. 'He'll meet us at the entrance,' he reasoned with himself. 'Since he wasn't at training, he's probably talking with the Commander or Dr. Scott or something.'
Suddenly, the three halted, as the lights began to flicker unsteadily. Colin glanced up at the ceiling nervously. "I didn't think that NERV lights were supposed to do that…"
Rei shivered slightly. "Something is wrong," she said in her monotone.
"Damn lights…" Asuka hissed.
Suddenly, with a final weak shudder, the overhead lights blacked out completely. Colin blinked in surprise as he was suddenly engulfed in darkness. He jumped as he heard the muffled scream beside him.
The lights flickered back on almost as soon as they had gone out, revealing the long hallway once more. Colin looked around, his eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness. Gradually, he began to notice that something was missing.
Rei was staring at the floor with a strange expression on her face. Her eyes were fixed on the small pool on crimson on the metallic floor.
And then, the realization struck Colin. The scream he had heard was Asuka's.
Frantically, he began looking up and down the corridor, and Rei did the same. The blood began to dry.
"Pilot Sohryu?"
"Asuka?"
++++++
I'm sorry that it took so long to get that posted. I've been extremely busy lately, and I haven't had much time for writing. Nonetheless, more will come!