A/N
This is my first fic, so don't stop reading, it's gonna get better, I
promise, I really do.
Now it's an SI fic, written for a contest that is on EFO, though I think it
might go to FF.net. Anyway, so enjoy, and please finish.
Disclaimer: Evangelion belongs to Gainax, yada yada yada.
A Wanderer that couldn't leave
Chapter 1
Arrival/For a smile
As I walked into the outskirts of Toyko-3 I sighed. What a LONG walk. Shii,
even in this day and age I still didn't have any form of modern transport,
damn, I didn't even have a bike.
I took a short break at the Tokyo-3 lookout point. I stared out at the city,
bathed in the light of the setting sun before realizing that something
wasn't quite right. Where were all the tall buildings, the giant
skyscrapers, and why were all the lights out?
Feeling tired, I decided to eat my dinner, as it was very late. I pulled out
my jerky, and stood, with my hands on the rail, chewing on my food. The wind
picked up, a cool wind for post Second Impact, it flew through my black
hair, ruffling the strands that covered my black eyes.
Everything about me was dark, my navy blue jacket, my black baggy jeans,
even my dark blue sneakers. Only my skin stood out, what you could see of
it, and even that was dark, more from dirt then anything else.
I decided that I wasn't going any further today, and that I would make my
grand entrance tomorrow. However as I was pulling out my sleeping bag, I
heard voices. I could hear a loud girl, and perhaps a male too. Now who
could be up here, as the Sun began to set? I pulled out a metal rectangular
object from my pocket. It was full of holes, and seemed to be divided down
the middle. Flipping the catch at the bottom, I skillfully flipped the
butterfly knife and extracted the blade. Money was scarce, and maybe a love
struck duo wouldn't give me much fight in exchange for their money.
I grabbed my stuff and hid in the bushes at the side. Three children walked
into my view, a redheaded girl with a hot body, a somewhat downcast looking
guy with brown hair, and a light blue haired girl with red eyes. Those eyes
were looking straight at me, even though I was well hidden. It felt like
those eyes could reach into my soul. I grew afraid, I didn't think I wanted
to interfere with these people. Then a glint of sun reflecting silver caught
my eye, and I noticed a man in a black suit following the three, security,
no doubt. I definitely wanted to stay out of their way. So decided I began to
back out of the bush, hoping that I would pass unnoticed.
However as I was backing out, I felt a presence beside me, I whipped around,
knife in front, only to find the red eyed girl gazing back at me. I jumped
back, scared, my mind calculating that it was physically impossible for one
person to move so fast, and not look like they had moved at all.
She continued to stare at me, and I relaxed, imperceptibly. Those eyes could
give you nightmares, if you didn't know what to expect. I was no exception,
and I was close to running away when she spoke.
"Why do you have a weapon?" Her voice was soft, but curious. She seemed very
innocent, and also very nice, so I decided that I wouldn't have to flee her,
I always did have a soft spot for pretty girls.
"WONDERGIRL!!" A voice, shouted, I think it was the red head. "Where are
you?!!"
I looked at the girl, and decided that I some friends in Tokyo-3 would be
nice.
"Hi, my name's Kheldar, what's yours?" I said.
"My name is Rei Ayanami." She still sounded soft.
"Well nice to meet you Rei..." I was about to continue when a mildly
irritated red headed girl appeared on Rei's right, out of the bushes.
"You shouldn't wander off by yourself, Wondergirl! After all here I am
giving you the honor of spending time with me and go and leave Shinji and I
alone." She stood there glaring and expecting an answer.
Just as Rei was about to reply, the boy stepped out of the bushes, following
behind the redhead. He looked slightly pained. "Asuka, it wasn't that bad, we
found her didn't we? Just let it lie, for me?" I cringed for him, bad move boy.
Just like I expected, Asuka turned on him instead. "What would you know
about sociality you idiot? You sit and stare as much as she does. Don't go
always defending her..." She trailed off, as she had just caught sight of
me.
The boy looked away, but I could tell that he had actually planned for Asuka
to yell at him instead of Rei. Which made me ponder, Loyalty is a trait that
I value the most in a friend, and it was continually getting rarer. This was
very interesting. However a very cross girl in front of me snapped me back
to reality.
"Um, Hi, I'm Kheldar, please to meet you." I offered as tactfully as I
could. "And who do I have the honor of addressing." I must admit, I'm slick,
sadly only to people I didn't know.
Asuka brighten at the compliment, and then drew herself straight. "I'm Asuka
Langley Soryu, the great designated pilot to Evangelion Unit-02."
Evangelion? What the hell is that? I was most totally stumped. "Um that's nice,
who are your friends?" I wanted to know who this quiet guy was.
"Friends? No way, these are my fellow-pilots, Shinji Ikari, and Rei
Ayanami."
Shinji looked up and whispered to Asuka. "I don't think you should be
telling a stranger everything."
I was shocked, hurt even, then I realized that this piloting thing sounded
very military. That would explain those suits that were trailing them. Maybe
these children were part of a military organization. I asked as much. Asuka
answered, who was quick to show off her NERV ID.
"Yes, we work for NERV, it's an military arm of the UN designed to defeat
the angels and protect humanity." Shinji began tugging at her arm again. She
turned on him. "Calm down you baka, I know what I'm doing, this is nothing more
then what most Tokyo-3 citizens know anyway."
I mulled over the situation in my head. I thought angels were good things.
Hmm, oh well, didn't hurt to listen, and what did Rei have to do with this,
she wasn't talking at all.
"So who are you exactly, and what do you do?" I jumped a bit as the voluble
girl waved her hand in my face. "Kheldar is not a Japanese name. Don't tell
me you're a foreign agent." When I didn't answer she spun around to face
Shinji. "Shinji you IDIOT, why didn't you warn me he could be a sp..."
I hastily intervened before someone got hurt. "I'm just a wanderer. I go
from town to town, country to country, with nothing but what I have with me.
I'm always looking for something new in life, but so far nothing has ever
kept me in one place long. Oh and yeah, Kheldar is my traveling name, I
think my original name was Josh, but that was quite common in the west."
"We must hurry," the soft sound of Rei's voice breaking through
our conversation. "If we want to see the rising."
Asuka smacked her own forehead, "the buildings, of course, that's why we
came, come on baka Shinji, let's go see the 'rising'." Then she mumbled,
"though I don't know what the fuss is about."
"You are welcome to come along if you wish."
I rotated to face Shinji. "Thanks," I stammered.
"COME ON SHINJI!" The brown haired boy looked slightly annoyed, but turned
and walked over to the two advancing girls. I turned to walk with him, and
we moved towards the rail that overlooked the city.
Just as we settled in, I stood next to Rei and watched the scene. An alarm
sounded, sort of like the buzzing sound that accompanies reversing
forklifts. Only this was far louder. I wasn't really paying attention, till
movement registered in my brain. I gasped in wonder, as building upon
building began to rise from the ground. Huge skyscrapers, encased in glass,
towering over the rest of the city. They rose out, with seamless
smoothness, and finally settled into place with the dying rays of the Sun.
As I watched, I noticed Rei's hand was positioned next to mine, I slowly
placed my hand on hers, more as a friendship gesture then any romantic
affair. I was ready to withdraw if she so wanted.
She looked at me, and then glanced at Asuka, who was standing there in
companionable silence with Shinji, both looking at the rising marvel.
Anyway, Rei didn't retract her hand, instead, she nearly stopped my heart
when she turned and smiled at me.
Had I known her far longer I would have been even more shocked, however this
smile, in the fade radiance of the Sun was far better then the most
throbbing rock song, or the most powerful wind. The feelings that smile
caused in me, were like the Sun coming out after 40 days of rain, or a fire
after being in the darkness. From the instant of that smile, I was a goner.
***
As she watched the buildings rose, Rei glanced at Asuka and Shinji, both
standing, almost touching. She felt a twinge of something akin to pain
in her soul, as she realized that soon they would express what they felt for
each other.
'Why am I feeling this way? What is this sensation of emptiness?' Then she
felt a small warmth over her hand, and the pain seemed that much smaller.
***
We walked to her house in silence, almost side by side, Rei slightly in
front since she knew the way. As we moved through the town, I covertly
stared at the new center of my attention. After that first smile, she hadn't
really changed from her original shy self. Her head was slightly down cast,
her eyes on the road in front of her. I didn't want to break the silence, it
wasn't awkward, I myself spent many days with my best friend sitting and not
talking.
I was so in my thoughts, that I missed her stopping and walked a few steps
past her. Then she called my name. "Kheldar." And I realized my error. I
turned around and we walked up the stairs towards her apartment.
The place was a dump, and had been for a while I soon learned, letters
filled her slot to overflowing, and trash littered the hallway to her room.
She stopped at a door, and so did I. I looked around.
"You live here?" I asked, somewhat amazed.
"Yes."
"Isn't it kinda dirty? I mean I thought girls would normally pick places a
bit neater, and the way Asuka talks NERV must be a pretty important group.
Don't they got better accommodations?"
"This is adequate," she said, and then opened the door. She just left it
open, and so I took it as an invitation to go in.
Once inside, Rei went to the bathroom, and then came out and began to take
off her uniform. I was of course VERY shocked, as I didn't think Rei was
'that' sort of girl. I immediately turned around (yes IMMEDIATELY, I respect
girls) I started to stammer.
"Rei, um, what are you doing?"
"I am preparing to sleep." Her tone was totally monotonous, which told me
she had no clue that this was wrong.
Just who was Rei Ayanami?
"Well, in that case I will be leaving then," and edged to the door, my eyes
firmly on the floor. A pair of pale feet appeared in my vision.
"Do you have shelter tonight?"
"Um, no actually I don't." I am SO DUMB!!
"Then you may stay here," she said and so saying laid down in the bed,
totally naked.
I choked and stumbled to my knees, my brief glance had severely weakened my
honorable resolve and I slowly stood up.
"Rei, if you want me to stay over, could at least put some clothes on?" I
pleaded.
Rei got up, and started towards her closet. "Are you uncomfortable? Ikari
had the same reaction when he was here too."
I nodded, so I was right, she didn't know that being naked in front of guys
was wrong. She was really weird, however, I didn't have a place to stay, and
so since she had offered, I looked around for a second room... nothing, just
the bathroom. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers, and I lay my sleeping bag
in the rather long bathtub. Thank God for small favors.
***
I woke up to the sounds of pee running into a toilet. My brain barely
registered this, as my muscles were screaming from lying in a curved shaped,
hard space all night. Then I remembered where I was, and more importantly
what the sound meant. I lay stock still, refusing to open my eyes, until the
door closed. Then I quickly sat up. My neck ached, and I let out a rather
loud moan.
The door reopened, and Rei stepped in. "Are you awake Kheldar?"
I looked at her, dressed in her uniform, and was about to say yes, when
another spasm wracked my neck and I let out another moan, more like a short
scream. Inwardly I cringed at this display of unmanliness, but then I guess
Rei didn't really care about things like that.
"What is the cause of your distress?" she asked, more to be polite then
anything .
"My neck hurts." I stood up, and promptly fell back down as my back muscles
twisted and writhed. I lay there stunned, until I felt soft hands began to
rub my back.
If I could have, I would have told her to stop, cause I was still fairly
uncomfortable with the whole guy in the same house as a girl he didn't
really know thing. However as I was totally dazed, and my mouth was stuffed
into my sleeping bag, I couldn't really say anything. Besides, it felt kinda
nice. After my back relaxed, I struggled into a sitting position.
"Thank You Rei, that was very nice," I said, very gratefully.
"You are welcome, though you have made me late for school."
I was instantly apologetic, but when I looked up to say I was sorry, she had
already left the bathroom. I got up, and decided that I would need a better
bed that night.
As I stepped out of the room, the door slammed open and a black suited man,
complete with sunnies, and white shirt, stepped into the room. Of course I
reacted, swinging out my butterfly knife, and diving for his gun. However,
instead...
"Kheldar, stop."
With those two words, only my arm retracted to my pocket, my folded up knife
inside. I stumbled slightly, my lunge suddenly stopped, and then regained my
footing right in front of the suit.
My mind raced, and I came to the conclusion that a military group would have
security, which would mean that THIS was Rei's detail. How interesting, they
let me spend the night. How very weird.
"Come with me son." The agent stepped in a grabbed my arm, though he looked
a bit unnerved at the speed of which I had attacked him. I struggled out of
his grasp, and then followed him as we headed outside.
"Don't worry Rei, I'll be fine, you have fun at school." I called as I
left, though that feeling of confidence was not as strong as I would have
liked her to believe.
***
"Who are you?"
His voice was cold, very cold. He betrayed no emotions, and those orange glasses
hid his eyes. Yet the man in front of me did not really intimidate me. His
sprawling office, with one small desk, his carefully designed position, made me
remember my father, and the way he would treat staff who had slacked off. To
those who deserved punishment, he was a cold statue, but to those who excelled
he was warm and caring. I suspected much was the same with this nameless person.
I was right, but later I thought I was wrong, but now, now I had my confidence.
"I am Kheldar Dagashi, I wander around the world, looking for stuff to do,
fun to have. I've been around the globe, Pre and post Second Impact. I am
pleased to meet you, and your... employees. Now if I might ask, just who are
you?"
"I ask the questions here," he snapped, yet without revealing his emotions.
"However, my name is Gendo Ikari, and I am the commander of NERV."
I was stunned, this enigmatic being was SHINJI's FATHER? Or even related,
but it was too close to not be... however I did have to check. "So you are
Shinji's father?" I asked, then slapped myself, remembering his last words.
Surprisingly he smirked slightly, and then answered. "Yes, and I would
prefer that you stayed away from my Pilots, especially Rei."
To stay away from Rei was expected, guy staying in a girl's apartment,
(BUZZER) But why did he refer to his son as just pilots. My mind raced, and
I came to conclusion that this was classic father heading for success state,
no time for children, and works really hard. I could accept that, my father
was much the same till he died, much the same.
"However," He continued, disregarding my thoughts, "Rei has informed my men
that she does not think that you are a threat, and that you maybe a good
friend for Shinji, to make him more... stable."
Well talk about heartless. However this was a great turn of events, their
commander endorsing my stay here, hey I might even get some cash out of this
one. "I would be honored sir, to stay with your pilots I mean, however you think
you could send a mattress to Rei's house?"
I could have sworn I heard a chuckle, but I might have been too far away.
"You are bold, how old are you?"
"Well sir, I just turned seventeen on the 22nd of Jan. Hey you think that
since I'm kinda doing you a favor you can like gimme some allowance?" Ok,
normally I wasn't so bold, but I really wanted to see if I had heard a
chuckle or not. I was rewarded, with an out right laugh.
"Listen, Kheldar, you are at his mercy, you live only because he allows it,
and because Rei asks, and yet you still ask for things which you have no
right too. Don't you think you should be a bit happier with what you have."
I looked behind me, to the hot purple haired woman that just walked in. Or
had she? How long had she been there, and undetected by me, very strange.
"This is Major Misato Katsuragi the guardian of the two Children, Shinji
Ikari and Asuka Soryu. She will be looking after your...case. Dismissed"
I left the room, staring at the escort that had arrived. As the door closed
I said, "Hi, can I call you Misato?"
"No problem, and I will call you Kheldar, pleased to meet you." She seemed a
chirpy sort of person.
"No no, the honor is all mine." I bowed, Western style, then continued, "so
the two Children live with you?" I emphasized the C just like the commander
did. I figured there had to be a good reason.
"Yeah, my two roommates, the most arrogant girl in Tokyo and the shyest boy
in the world." She sighed, "Well, I guess we can fit one more guest, at
least for a while."
I looked up, and then decided that I was going to make my intentions clear
right now.
"Um, Misato, I would like it if I could stay with Rei."
"Oh and why is that?" she said, her tone teasing.
I could feel my face heating up. So I turned and began a thorough
investigation of walls we were passing. "Well, I think that a girl shouldn't
live all by herself in a rundown apartment." Using my best argument first.
"So you think that you can offer more protection the three Section 2 agents
huh?"
Damn, ok number two.
"Well, I figure she could use some help learning how to be a bit more...
normal. Is it me, or is she sometimes very weird?"
"Hmm, maybe you're right," Misato conceded after a pause. "She does need help learning to live. Maybe you should be there, but mind you, no funny business."
I could tell she was just teasing, truth to tell I hate people who constantly
tease others, but hey, she was my new superior so I guess I couldn't complain.
"Thanks Major, and don't worry, did I do anything last night?"
***
I carried in the mattress that Misato had gotten me, and then looked around
for a place to lay it down. Due to the small size of the room, my bed would
be almost touching Rei's. Unbidden images of her sprang into my mind, and I
had to quickly think of other, less embarrassing things.
I put down my mattress, the head touching the head of Rei's bed, so that
they lay in an L shape, and allowed access to both. I made my bed, and then
lay down to ponder what had just happened.
***
I had just arrived in a village; darkness had long descended, when I heard
what sounded like soft screams. I raced over in the direction of sound, and
the screams started getting louder. They were moving, which suggested that
someone, sounded like a girl, was getting chased. I ran until I caught sight
of her, and watched as a leering man chased after her. Instantly my anger
flared, for I always believed in giving girls the respect they deserve and to
never take advantage of your own strength.
As I was watching the girl tripped, and then lay still on the ground,
whimpering. The man let out a triumphant call, and then walked over to the
fallen child. I had to stop this, so I stepped out.
"Stop, do not touch her," I said, the command in my voice startling even me,
after all he was at least double my weight, and didn't look like it was
much fat either. However I stood my ground.
"f*** off boy, this is none of your business," he spat and then turned back
to the still now struggling form of the girl. She woke up, and then caught
sight of me. Her eyes pleaded me to both save her, and to not get involved.
This settled it. I had to do something.
"Sir, I would have to ask that you step away from her NOW!" I reached over
my left shoulder and undid a velcro strap. There it secured a short metal
bar, which was joined by the bottom to my backpack. It fell down, behind me,
pivoting on its joint. Up came a handle of sorts, a hilt, of my Kodachi.
The would-be molester, probably hadn't seen one of these before, so
therefore didn't realize what I could do to him. I think with his crazed mind
he could only see a small scrawny boy, trying to stop him from what he
wanted. So naturally he charged at me.
His eyes widened in surprise when he was about to impact on me, I drew my
sword and ran him through the thigh.
"I have no wish to kill you, that I don't. However you must leave this lady
alone, NOW!" I said, my tone flat, my eyes half closed.
He screamed, a shrill sound that belied his supposedly manly exterior and
then fell to earth. Regarding his writhing body, I walked to him.
"You should bind that up, you could bleed to death." Then I walked over to
the girl.
She was cowering with her back towards a tree. Her clothes were mostly
tanish brown, while his had been light blue. I figured them for coworkers,
this sort of thing happens all the time.
I offered my hand, she didn't move, her eyes shut tight. I squatted down in
front of her.
"Hey there, you ok?" She then looked up, terror still written in her eyes.
"What happened to him?" She then caught sight of the fallen man, and she
sighed in relief. Tension seeped out of her, and then she collapsed.
I caught her before she hit the ground, then sighed myself, I'm too young
for all of this saving damsels in distress stuff. I lifted the girl, who
couldn't be above 15, on my shoulder and headed off towards the town center.
When I arrived, I could feel many, many eyes on me. From houses, windows,
some with gladness but others with fear. I waited, and then I accosted a
boy.
"Hey kid, do you know whose girl this is?"
He stared at me, too young to feel the tension that everyone around us was
projecting. "Hm," he answered, "she looks like Akiko, she doesn't have a family.
She lives and works at the Mayor's mansion."
Then it all clicked, that guy wasn't just a worker, the gold that I now
realized was around his neck, the arrogance. All were signs of an important
man's son. Not good.
"Here," I called to the people in their homes, "Would anyone want to take in
this girl? I think she needs a new place to live."
"There is no need for that." I spun around, or tried to, but even a girl can
get heavy after a while. The speaker was short, gray haired and had a
smiling face. His eyes were almost closed when he smiled, but he looked like
a good guy.
"I am the Mayor of this town, Miss Akiko works for me, though sadly my son
has recently taken an unwholesome interest in her." He sounded truly sad.
"So I noticed, if you want him to live, you'd better send some men out, that
direction." I pointed towards the forest."
"I see," He sounded even sadder. "So he didn't let her go willingly, you had
to use force? Well I thank you for sparing his life, and I will ensure in
the future that he understands his place in the society."
"I would appreciate it. I think I should go, before Miss Akiko wakes up, and
before your son gets back, I would have liked a bath, but hey, beggars can't
be choosers."
***
Now, I had arrived at the great city of Tokyo-3, and I had seemingly fallen
in love with a girl's smile. How very weird. I knew that I didn't love Rei,
I couldn't, I barely knew her, and here I was, sleeping in her room, a girl
who doesn't know that nakedness is wrong, a girl that almost never shows her
emotions, heck a girl that probably didn't have all that many.
I sighed...this was going to be very tricky.
It was nearing 4 pm, and I was waiting for Rei to come home, then maybe I
could talk with her, when a siren went off, and I knew something was VERY
wrong.
Author's notes:
Hey, well isn't this fun =D, my first ever Evafic, and I'm already loving
it. I love to write in 1st person so I guess this kinda comes naturally. Ok
a few things to address. Firstly, I don't know where I heard that Rei sleeps
nude, but I put it in, cause it was part of the whole, she doesn't know how
to behave normally thing. Secondly, I would like to say that it's REALLY
hard to write what Rei would know. I mean she's smart enough to know that
when Kheldar is writhing in pain, that his back is hurt, and I think she
would know that he would need a massage. Obviously she doesn't know the
romantic implications of a backrub. But as I said, hard to write Rei. And
btw, try sleeping in a bathtub, when you're about 6 foot tall, it's REALLY
painful in the morning.
Ok, now about the story, this is part of Foxboy's SI challenge, I like
writing first person, and I LOVE writing about myself. Also, Kheldar is NOT
a Mary Sue, while he may seem that his swords skills are like really good
(ala Kenshin) he does have relationship problems and he also has a past.
(Also he sucks at sports, I mean he IS me man.) And he really is me, good
with archaic weaponry, fast for short bursts, quite smart (=D), is really
smooth with girls he doesn't know (but fails miserably once he gets to know
em) and I'm extremely loyal to those I befriend, so yeah, Kheldar is NOT a
Mary Sue.
Anyway, regardless of the reaction I get, this isn't finished yet. ;)
C&C&F is welcome, in fact wanted, so send to silk_12@hotmail.com, and you
MUST include the word Evangelion in the subject, or my junk mail will filter
it out.
This is my first fic, so don't stop reading, it's gonna get better, I
promise, I really do.
Now it's an SI fic, written for a contest that is on EFO, though I think it
might go to FF.net. Anyway, so enjoy, and please finish.
Disclaimer: Evangelion belongs to Gainax, yada yada yada.
A Wanderer that couldn't leave
Chapter 1
Arrival/For a smile
As I walked into the outskirts of Toyko-3 I sighed. What a LONG walk. Shii,
even in this day and age I still didn't have any form of modern transport,
damn, I didn't even have a bike.
I took a short break at the Tokyo-3 lookout point. I stared out at the city,
bathed in the light of the setting sun before realizing that something
wasn't quite right. Where were all the tall buildings, the giant
skyscrapers, and why were all the lights out?
Feeling tired, I decided to eat my dinner, as it was very late. I pulled out
my jerky, and stood, with my hands on the rail, chewing on my food. The wind
picked up, a cool wind for post Second Impact, it flew through my black
hair, ruffling the strands that covered my black eyes.
Everything about me was dark, my navy blue jacket, my black baggy jeans,
even my dark blue sneakers. Only my skin stood out, what you could see of
it, and even that was dark, more from dirt then anything else.
I decided that I wasn't going any further today, and that I would make my
grand entrance tomorrow. However as I was pulling out my sleeping bag, I
heard voices. I could hear a loud girl, and perhaps a male too. Now who
could be up here, as the Sun began to set? I pulled out a metal rectangular
object from my pocket. It was full of holes, and seemed to be divided down
the middle. Flipping the catch at the bottom, I skillfully flipped the
butterfly knife and extracted the blade. Money was scarce, and maybe a love
struck duo wouldn't give me much fight in exchange for their money.
I grabbed my stuff and hid in the bushes at the side. Three children walked
into my view, a redheaded girl with a hot body, a somewhat downcast looking
guy with brown hair, and a light blue haired girl with red eyes. Those eyes
were looking straight at me, even though I was well hidden. It felt like
those eyes could reach into my soul. I grew afraid, I didn't think I wanted
to interfere with these people. Then a glint of sun reflecting silver caught
my eye, and I noticed a man in a black suit following the three, security,
no doubt. I definitely wanted to stay out of their way. So decided I began to
back out of the bush, hoping that I would pass unnoticed.
However as I was backing out, I felt a presence beside me, I whipped around,
knife in front, only to find the red eyed girl gazing back at me. I jumped
back, scared, my mind calculating that it was physically impossible for one
person to move so fast, and not look like they had moved at all.
She continued to stare at me, and I relaxed, imperceptibly. Those eyes could
give you nightmares, if you didn't know what to expect. I was no exception,
and I was close to running away when she spoke.
"Why do you have a weapon?" Her voice was soft, but curious. She seemed very
innocent, and also very nice, so I decided that I wouldn't have to flee her,
I always did have a soft spot for pretty girls.
"WONDERGIRL!!" A voice, shouted, I think it was the red head. "Where are
you?!!"
I looked at the girl, and decided that I some friends in Tokyo-3 would be
nice.
"Hi, my name's Kheldar, what's yours?" I said.
"My name is Rei Ayanami." She still sounded soft.
"Well nice to meet you Rei..." I was about to continue when a mildly
irritated red headed girl appeared on Rei's right, out of the bushes.
"You shouldn't wander off by yourself, Wondergirl! After all here I am
giving you the honor of spending time with me and go and leave Shinji and I
alone." She stood there glaring and expecting an answer.
Just as Rei was about to reply, the boy stepped out of the bushes, following
behind the redhead. He looked slightly pained. "Asuka, it wasn't that bad, we
found her didn't we? Just let it lie, for me?" I cringed for him, bad move boy.
Just like I expected, Asuka turned on him instead. "What would you know
about sociality you idiot? You sit and stare as much as she does. Don't go
always defending her..." She trailed off, as she had just caught sight of
me.
The boy looked away, but I could tell that he had actually planned for Asuka
to yell at him instead of Rei. Which made me ponder, Loyalty is a trait that
I value the most in a friend, and it was continually getting rarer. This was
very interesting. However a very cross girl in front of me snapped me back
to reality.
"Um, Hi, I'm Kheldar, please to meet you." I offered as tactfully as I
could. "And who do I have the honor of addressing." I must admit, I'm slick,
sadly only to people I didn't know.
Asuka brighten at the compliment, and then drew herself straight. "I'm Asuka
Langley Soryu, the great designated pilot to Evangelion Unit-02."
Evangelion? What the hell is that? I was most totally stumped. "Um that's nice,
who are your friends?" I wanted to know who this quiet guy was.
"Friends? No way, these are my fellow-pilots, Shinji Ikari, and Rei
Ayanami."
Shinji looked up and whispered to Asuka. "I don't think you should be
telling a stranger everything."
I was shocked, hurt even, then I realized that this piloting thing sounded
very military. That would explain those suits that were trailing them. Maybe
these children were part of a military organization. I asked as much. Asuka
answered, who was quick to show off her NERV ID.
"Yes, we work for NERV, it's an military arm of the UN designed to defeat
the angels and protect humanity." Shinji began tugging at her arm again. She
turned on him. "Calm down you baka, I know what I'm doing, this is nothing more
then what most Tokyo-3 citizens know anyway."
I mulled over the situation in my head. I thought angels were good things.
Hmm, oh well, didn't hurt to listen, and what did Rei have to do with this,
she wasn't talking at all.
"So who are you exactly, and what do you do?" I jumped a bit as the voluble
girl waved her hand in my face. "Kheldar is not a Japanese name. Don't tell
me you're a foreign agent." When I didn't answer she spun around to face
Shinji. "Shinji you IDIOT, why didn't you warn me he could be a sp..."
I hastily intervened before someone got hurt. "I'm just a wanderer. I go
from town to town, country to country, with nothing but what I have with me.
I'm always looking for something new in life, but so far nothing has ever
kept me in one place long. Oh and yeah, Kheldar is my traveling name, I
think my original name was Josh, but that was quite common in the west."
"We must hurry," the soft sound of Rei's voice breaking through
our conversation. "If we want to see the rising."
Asuka smacked her own forehead, "the buildings, of course, that's why we
came, come on baka Shinji, let's go see the 'rising'." Then she mumbled,
"though I don't know what the fuss is about."
"You are welcome to come along if you wish."
I rotated to face Shinji. "Thanks," I stammered.
"COME ON SHINJI!" The brown haired boy looked slightly annoyed, but turned
and walked over to the two advancing girls. I turned to walk with him, and
we moved towards the rail that overlooked the city.
Just as we settled in, I stood next to Rei and watched the scene. An alarm
sounded, sort of like the buzzing sound that accompanies reversing
forklifts. Only this was far louder. I wasn't really paying attention, till
movement registered in my brain. I gasped in wonder, as building upon
building began to rise from the ground. Huge skyscrapers, encased in glass,
towering over the rest of the city. They rose out, with seamless
smoothness, and finally settled into place with the dying rays of the Sun.
As I watched, I noticed Rei's hand was positioned next to mine, I slowly
placed my hand on hers, more as a friendship gesture then any romantic
affair. I was ready to withdraw if she so wanted.
She looked at me, and then glanced at Asuka, who was standing there in
companionable silence with Shinji, both looking at the rising marvel.
Anyway, Rei didn't retract her hand, instead, she nearly stopped my heart
when she turned and smiled at me.
Had I known her far longer I would have been even more shocked, however this
smile, in the fade radiance of the Sun was far better then the most
throbbing rock song, or the most powerful wind. The feelings that smile
caused in me, were like the Sun coming out after 40 days of rain, or a fire
after being in the darkness. From the instant of that smile, I was a goner.
***
As she watched the buildings rose, Rei glanced at Asuka and Shinji, both
standing, almost touching. She felt a twinge of something akin to pain
in her soul, as she realized that soon they would express what they felt for
each other.
'Why am I feeling this way? What is this sensation of emptiness?' Then she
felt a small warmth over her hand, and the pain seemed that much smaller.
***
We walked to her house in silence, almost side by side, Rei slightly in
front since she knew the way. As we moved through the town, I covertly
stared at the new center of my attention. After that first smile, she hadn't
really changed from her original shy self. Her head was slightly down cast,
her eyes on the road in front of her. I didn't want to break the silence, it
wasn't awkward, I myself spent many days with my best friend sitting and not
talking.
I was so in my thoughts, that I missed her stopping and walked a few steps
past her. Then she called my name. "Kheldar." And I realized my error. I
turned around and we walked up the stairs towards her apartment.
The place was a dump, and had been for a while I soon learned, letters
filled her slot to overflowing, and trash littered the hallway to her room.
She stopped at a door, and so did I. I looked around.
"You live here?" I asked, somewhat amazed.
"Yes."
"Isn't it kinda dirty? I mean I thought girls would normally pick places a
bit neater, and the way Asuka talks NERV must be a pretty important group.
Don't they got better accommodations?"
"This is adequate," she said, and then opened the door. She just left it
open, and so I took it as an invitation to go in.
Once inside, Rei went to the bathroom, and then came out and began to take
off her uniform. I was of course VERY shocked, as I didn't think Rei was
'that' sort of girl. I immediately turned around (yes IMMEDIATELY, I respect
girls) I started to stammer.
"Rei, um, what are you doing?"
"I am preparing to sleep." Her tone was totally monotonous, which told me
she had no clue that this was wrong.
Just who was Rei Ayanami?
"Well, in that case I will be leaving then," and edged to the door, my eyes
firmly on the floor. A pair of pale feet appeared in my vision.
"Do you have shelter tonight?"
"Um, no actually I don't." I am SO DUMB!!
"Then you may stay here," she said and so saying laid down in the bed,
totally naked.
I choked and stumbled to my knees, my brief glance had severely weakened my
honorable resolve and I slowly stood up.
"Rei, if you want me to stay over, could at least put some clothes on?" I
pleaded.
Rei got up, and started towards her closet. "Are you uncomfortable? Ikari
had the same reaction when he was here too."
I nodded, so I was right, she didn't know that being naked in front of guys
was wrong. She was really weird, however, I didn't have a place to stay, and
so since she had offered, I looked around for a second room... nothing, just
the bathroom. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers, and I lay my sleeping bag
in the rather long bathtub. Thank God for small favors.
***
I woke up to the sounds of pee running into a toilet. My brain barely
registered this, as my muscles were screaming from lying in a curved shaped,
hard space all night. Then I remembered where I was, and more importantly
what the sound meant. I lay stock still, refusing to open my eyes, until the
door closed. Then I quickly sat up. My neck ached, and I let out a rather
loud moan.
The door reopened, and Rei stepped in. "Are you awake Kheldar?"
I looked at her, dressed in her uniform, and was about to say yes, when
another spasm wracked my neck and I let out another moan, more like a short
scream. Inwardly I cringed at this display of unmanliness, but then I guess
Rei didn't really care about things like that.
"What is the cause of your distress?" she asked, more to be polite then
anything .
"My neck hurts." I stood up, and promptly fell back down as my back muscles
twisted and writhed. I lay there stunned, until I felt soft hands began to
rub my back.
If I could have, I would have told her to stop, cause I was still fairly
uncomfortable with the whole guy in the same house as a girl he didn't
really know thing. However as I was totally dazed, and my mouth was stuffed
into my sleeping bag, I couldn't really say anything. Besides, it felt kinda
nice. After my back relaxed, I struggled into a sitting position.
"Thank You Rei, that was very nice," I said, very gratefully.
"You are welcome, though you have made me late for school."
I was instantly apologetic, but when I looked up to say I was sorry, she had
already left the bathroom. I got up, and decided that I would need a better
bed that night.
As I stepped out of the room, the door slammed open and a black suited man,
complete with sunnies, and white shirt, stepped into the room. Of course I
reacted, swinging out my butterfly knife, and diving for his gun. However,
instead...
"Kheldar, stop."
With those two words, only my arm retracted to my pocket, my folded up knife
inside. I stumbled slightly, my lunge suddenly stopped, and then regained my
footing right in front of the suit.
My mind raced, and I came to the conclusion that a military group would have
security, which would mean that THIS was Rei's detail. How interesting, they
let me spend the night. How very weird.
"Come with me son." The agent stepped in a grabbed my arm, though he looked
a bit unnerved at the speed of which I had attacked him. I struggled out of
his grasp, and then followed him as we headed outside.
"Don't worry Rei, I'll be fine, you have fun at school." I called as I
left, though that feeling of confidence was not as strong as I would have
liked her to believe.
***
"Who are you?"
His voice was cold, very cold. He betrayed no emotions, and those orange glasses
hid his eyes. Yet the man in front of me did not really intimidate me. His
sprawling office, with one small desk, his carefully designed position, made me
remember my father, and the way he would treat staff who had slacked off. To
those who deserved punishment, he was a cold statue, but to those who excelled
he was warm and caring. I suspected much was the same with this nameless person.
I was right, but later I thought I was wrong, but now, now I had my confidence.
"I am Kheldar Dagashi, I wander around the world, looking for stuff to do,
fun to have. I've been around the globe, Pre and post Second Impact. I am
pleased to meet you, and your... employees. Now if I might ask, just who are
you?"
"I ask the questions here," he snapped, yet without revealing his emotions.
"However, my name is Gendo Ikari, and I am the commander of NERV."
I was stunned, this enigmatic being was SHINJI's FATHER? Or even related,
but it was too close to not be... however I did have to check. "So you are
Shinji's father?" I asked, then slapped myself, remembering his last words.
Surprisingly he smirked slightly, and then answered. "Yes, and I would
prefer that you stayed away from my Pilots, especially Rei."
To stay away from Rei was expected, guy staying in a girl's apartment,
(BUZZER) But why did he refer to his son as just pilots. My mind raced, and
I came to conclusion that this was classic father heading for success state,
no time for children, and works really hard. I could accept that, my father
was much the same till he died, much the same.
"However," He continued, disregarding my thoughts, "Rei has informed my men
that she does not think that you are a threat, and that you maybe a good
friend for Shinji, to make him more... stable."
Well talk about heartless. However this was a great turn of events, their
commander endorsing my stay here, hey I might even get some cash out of this
one. "I would be honored sir, to stay with your pilots I mean, however you think
you could send a mattress to Rei's house?"
I could have sworn I heard a chuckle, but I might have been too far away.
"You are bold, how old are you?"
"Well sir, I just turned seventeen on the 22nd of Jan. Hey you think that
since I'm kinda doing you a favor you can like gimme some allowance?" Ok,
normally I wasn't so bold, but I really wanted to see if I had heard a
chuckle or not. I was rewarded, with an out right laugh.
"Listen, Kheldar, you are at his mercy, you live only because he allows it,
and because Rei asks, and yet you still ask for things which you have no
right too. Don't you think you should be a bit happier with what you have."
I looked behind me, to the hot purple haired woman that just walked in. Or
had she? How long had she been there, and undetected by me, very strange.
"This is Major Misato Katsuragi the guardian of the two Children, Shinji
Ikari and Asuka Soryu. She will be looking after your...case. Dismissed"
I left the room, staring at the escort that had arrived. As the door closed
I said, "Hi, can I call you Misato?"
"No problem, and I will call you Kheldar, pleased to meet you." She seemed a
chirpy sort of person.
"No no, the honor is all mine." I bowed, Western style, then continued, "so
the two Children live with you?" I emphasized the C just like the commander
did. I figured there had to be a good reason.
"Yeah, my two roommates, the most arrogant girl in Tokyo and the shyest boy
in the world." She sighed, "Well, I guess we can fit one more guest, at
least for a while."
I looked up, and then decided that I was going to make my intentions clear
right now.
"Um, Misato, I would like it if I could stay with Rei."
"Oh and why is that?" she said, her tone teasing.
I could feel my face heating up. So I turned and began a thorough
investigation of walls we were passing. "Well, I think that a girl shouldn't
live all by herself in a rundown apartment." Using my best argument first.
"So you think that you can offer more protection the three Section 2 agents
huh?"
Damn, ok number two.
"Well, I figure she could use some help learning how to be a bit more...
normal. Is it me, or is she sometimes very weird?"
"Hmm, maybe you're right," Misato conceded after a pause. "She does need help learning to live. Maybe you should be there, but mind you, no funny business."
I could tell she was just teasing, truth to tell I hate people who constantly
tease others, but hey, she was my new superior so I guess I couldn't complain.
"Thanks Major, and don't worry, did I do anything last night?"
***
I carried in the mattress that Misato had gotten me, and then looked around
for a place to lay it down. Due to the small size of the room, my bed would
be almost touching Rei's. Unbidden images of her sprang into my mind, and I
had to quickly think of other, less embarrassing things.
I put down my mattress, the head touching the head of Rei's bed, so that
they lay in an L shape, and allowed access to both. I made my bed, and then
lay down to ponder what had just happened.
***
I had just arrived in a village; darkness had long descended, when I heard
what sounded like soft screams. I raced over in the direction of sound, and
the screams started getting louder. They were moving, which suggested that
someone, sounded like a girl, was getting chased. I ran until I caught sight
of her, and watched as a leering man chased after her. Instantly my anger
flared, for I always believed in giving girls the respect they deserve and to
never take advantage of your own strength.
As I was watching the girl tripped, and then lay still on the ground,
whimpering. The man let out a triumphant call, and then walked over to the
fallen child. I had to stop this, so I stepped out.
"Stop, do not touch her," I said, the command in my voice startling even me,
after all he was at least double my weight, and didn't look like it was
much fat either. However I stood my ground.
"f*** off boy, this is none of your business," he spat and then turned back
to the still now struggling form of the girl. She woke up, and then caught
sight of me. Her eyes pleaded me to both save her, and to not get involved.
This settled it. I had to do something.
"Sir, I would have to ask that you step away from her NOW!" I reached over
my left shoulder and undid a velcro strap. There it secured a short metal
bar, which was joined by the bottom to my backpack. It fell down, behind me,
pivoting on its joint. Up came a handle of sorts, a hilt, of my Kodachi.
The would-be molester, probably hadn't seen one of these before, so
therefore didn't realize what I could do to him. I think with his crazed mind
he could only see a small scrawny boy, trying to stop him from what he
wanted. So naturally he charged at me.
His eyes widened in surprise when he was about to impact on me, I drew my
sword and ran him through the thigh.
"I have no wish to kill you, that I don't. However you must leave this lady
alone, NOW!" I said, my tone flat, my eyes half closed.
He screamed, a shrill sound that belied his supposedly manly exterior and
then fell to earth. Regarding his writhing body, I walked to him.
"You should bind that up, you could bleed to death." Then I walked over to
the girl.
She was cowering with her back towards a tree. Her clothes were mostly
tanish brown, while his had been light blue. I figured them for coworkers,
this sort of thing happens all the time.
I offered my hand, she didn't move, her eyes shut tight. I squatted down in
front of her.
"Hey there, you ok?" She then looked up, terror still written in her eyes.
"What happened to him?" She then caught sight of the fallen man, and she
sighed in relief. Tension seeped out of her, and then she collapsed.
I caught her before she hit the ground, then sighed myself, I'm too young
for all of this saving damsels in distress stuff. I lifted the girl, who
couldn't be above 15, on my shoulder and headed off towards the town center.
When I arrived, I could feel many, many eyes on me. From houses, windows,
some with gladness but others with fear. I waited, and then I accosted a
boy.
"Hey kid, do you know whose girl this is?"
He stared at me, too young to feel the tension that everyone around us was
projecting. "Hm," he answered, "she looks like Akiko, she doesn't have a family.
She lives and works at the Mayor's mansion."
Then it all clicked, that guy wasn't just a worker, the gold that I now
realized was around his neck, the arrogance. All were signs of an important
man's son. Not good.
"Here," I called to the people in their homes, "Would anyone want to take in
this girl? I think she needs a new place to live."
"There is no need for that." I spun around, or tried to, but even a girl can
get heavy after a while. The speaker was short, gray haired and had a
smiling face. His eyes were almost closed when he smiled, but he looked like
a good guy.
"I am the Mayor of this town, Miss Akiko works for me, though sadly my son
has recently taken an unwholesome interest in her." He sounded truly sad.
"So I noticed, if you want him to live, you'd better send some men out, that
direction." I pointed towards the forest."
"I see," He sounded even sadder. "So he didn't let her go willingly, you had
to use force? Well I thank you for sparing his life, and I will ensure in
the future that he understands his place in the society."
"I would appreciate it. I think I should go, before Miss Akiko wakes up, and
before your son gets back, I would have liked a bath, but hey, beggars can't
be choosers."
***
Now, I had arrived at the great city of Tokyo-3, and I had seemingly fallen
in love with a girl's smile. How very weird. I knew that I didn't love Rei,
I couldn't, I barely knew her, and here I was, sleeping in her room, a girl
who doesn't know that nakedness is wrong, a girl that almost never shows her
emotions, heck a girl that probably didn't have all that many.
I sighed...this was going to be very tricky.
It was nearing 4 pm, and I was waiting for Rei to come home, then maybe I
could talk with her, when a siren went off, and I knew something was VERY
wrong.
Author's notes:
Hey, well isn't this fun =D, my first ever Evafic, and I'm already loving
it. I love to write in 1st person so I guess this kinda comes naturally. Ok
a few things to address. Firstly, I don't know where I heard that Rei sleeps
nude, but I put it in, cause it was part of the whole, she doesn't know how
to behave normally thing. Secondly, I would like to say that it's REALLY
hard to write what Rei would know. I mean she's smart enough to know that
when Kheldar is writhing in pain, that his back is hurt, and I think she
would know that he would need a massage. Obviously she doesn't know the
romantic implications of a backrub. But as I said, hard to write Rei. And
btw, try sleeping in a bathtub, when you're about 6 foot tall, it's REALLY
painful in the morning.
Ok, now about the story, this is part of Foxboy's SI challenge, I like
writing first person, and I LOVE writing about myself. Also, Kheldar is NOT
a Mary Sue, while he may seem that his swords skills are like really good
(ala Kenshin) he does have relationship problems and he also has a past.
(Also he sucks at sports, I mean he IS me man.) And he really is me, good
with archaic weaponry, fast for short bursts, quite smart (=D), is really
smooth with girls he doesn't know (but fails miserably once he gets to know
em) and I'm extremely loyal to those I befriend, so yeah, Kheldar is NOT a
Mary Sue.
Anyway, regardless of the reaction I get, this isn't finished yet. ;)
C&C&F is welcome, in fact wanted, so send to silk_12@hotmail.com, and you
MUST include the word Evangelion in the subject, or my junk mail will filter
it out.