(Insert disclaimer here)-- All characters listed here are products of Gainax. This is a fanfic and thus it's given out for free and most likely doesn't follow much (if anything) in the story line...so suing me wouldn't accomplish much nor win you anything(Cause I'm penniless and you'd lose more then me in a court battle as stated before, I'm penniless). These characters are used without permission so there!
"words" is speech
**words** is computer text
The start of this fic is somewhere after the 11th angel(Misato's a Major) and I've seen about a dozen different last names for Asuka. I've had a constant headache from all that, so in this fic she's Asuka Langley *SOHRYU* not Soryu, not Souryu(Oh that one peeved me off) and not what ever little pet names you've come up with her! With that said...
Enjoy!
DrunkDrake
A Calling Of Souls
Chapter 03 : The games we play...
~~~~~~~~
Misato finally got back to her apartment. She knew it was a mess when she left Asuka and Shinji to head back in. She actually did have a decent reason for driving away leaving them to deal with the mess...she didn't want to get stuck helping out too. Well there were better reasons but the earlier fact encouraged her to finish the other ones that day. Hyuga had said that she would have to fill out a few performance sheets, for a few of the leaving NERV employees. Odd as that was, some people did have lives outside of angel attacks and they were leaving for their own reasons. None of the key personal were allowed to leave, due to the fact that they knew a bit too much to be released. This little detail lasted her deep into the night and as she was leaving through the door, Ritsuko decided that she needed an up date of EVA performances and new weapons that were being developed. Misato could have given Ritsuko the stare of death if it wasn't for the fact that there had been no coffee in the NERV cafeteria, and beer was unheard of in HQ. Misato was at half power as Ritsuko gave her the descriptions, power requirements, ammo types and EVA's best suited to use each one. Misato could have sworn she was sleeping with her eyes open but Ritsuko didn't notice, or maybe she did cause that's when she finished and commented Misato go home and sleep. Misato somehow stumbled through the hall towards the apartment and leaned against the door.
Shinji opened the door because Misato's fore head was against the ring button and a very annoying ring was continuously ringing. However he wasn't ready for Misato to fall over him since she lost her only sense of balance, the door. Asuka had also woken up by the ringing and was storming about looking for something(mostly Shinji) to beat on to vent her frustrations. She however wasn't prepared for Shinji's yelp so she peered around the corner of the room into the hall. Shinji was flushed red, she could almost hear a count down from the throbbing of his nose till it burst. However he seemed to have tunnelled out of her embrace and was attempting to pick her up. Misato seemed to shift from a state of sleep, drunken movements and odd flailing movements as she muttered something about beer, men and work. Asuka's graze was found by Shinji and he mouthed the words "DON'T JUST STAND THERE, HELP!" which is what Asuka did. Together they dragged Misato back to her room and let her slip into her mess that could only be her bed. Asuka and Shinji left for their rooms soon after Misato curled up mumbling something about apartment being too clean again.
"Double or nothing?" Asuka asked Shinji who could only stare at her. Then he smiled and then said he'd take the bet.
---
Misato woke up the next day and found herself in her mess of a bed and had a splitting headache...It kept throbbing to a rhythm...of the phone? She gingerly reached out and dragged the noisy distraction to her.
"...llo?"
"I see your up and early Misato"
"...Ritsuko? what you wanting Dis early in DA morning?"
"Afternoon Misato. I've decided to run tests on the new weaponry using the EVAs. It's been scheduled two hours from now" Misato at this point had reverted to a sitting position and was beginning to understand human tongue again. She checked the clock she left around the bed and it read 3:12.
"Yeah sure, Ritsuko. I'll be there in time, don't *yawn* worry" Misato hung up the phone and exited her room. Pen-Pen wasn't anywhere to be seen but the apartment was almost spotless, other then a few new stains on that rug Asuka hates. Misato grabbed her Yebisu from the fridge and swallowed the contents like she was in the middle of a desert. After her resounding echo died out, she found she had an audience. Asuka was watching from the living room and Shinji poking his head out of the door.
"What?"
"Told ya!"
"But she didn't follow the exact plan! Half and half take it or leave it" Shinji said facing Asuka.
"Hey you chickening out or what!?" Asuka claimed giving up her interest with the TV and facing Shinji. Shinji backed a bit but didn't let down.
"You stated that if she was awoken from her alarm clock second thing she'd do is reach for the beer! She was awoken from a phone call" Shinji said.
"WHAT!! You dare make me cook dinner!? Fine then" Asuka said giving up. Misato just stood in the middle and attempted to figure why they argued over her and if she was getting predictable. Over this time she didn't notice the hub-bub picking up again.
"HEY you turned off her alarm clock!" Asuka said
"Well...it's all fair considering you put in 3 other alarm clocks after I left her!" Shinji stated back bluntly.
"You saying I tried to Cheat!? You!! YOU!" Asuka was just in swatting reach of Shinji.
"Pretty smart Shinji!" Asuka only looked over from where she was, to the beaming Misato.
"Your taking his side!? But we're women! He's only a boy!!! How dare you attempt to divide us Misato!" Asuka was bellowing at both of them for no reason at this point. Just as Asuka was attempting to make another point Misato stated
"New testing in an hour and a half" Misato pointed to the clock stating her point.
"That's still plenty of time for Asuka to cook us something!" Stated Shinji barely holding back a smile. Misato only gurgled a response lifting the beer can to her face.
"JUST ENOUGH TIME FOR ME TO KICK YOUR DUMMKOPF ASS!" Asuka screamed chasing after a retreating Shinji.
---
"OW OW OW OW OW OW!"
"Are you two still fighting?!" Ritsuko said over the main comm channel. Asuka's EVA just swatted Shinji's. Ritsuko didn't know why but lately hostilities have picked up between the pilots. Rei was very quiet and barely said a word as she followed the exercises as ordered but somehow she didn't seem like she always was. Shinji and Asuka though were visibly arguing over the comm channel and in the exercises. They'd surpass their own scores just to mock the other until they themselves were beaten. So they'd go at it again setting new records. It was almost growing into a confrontation really. Ritsuko just hoped they didn't use those new weapons on each other.
"Ritsuko...perhaps it's been a long time since these pilots let out any steam. They have begun to show stress and their Sync scores were dipping a bit lately" Maya said still watching the tests go on. The verbal chatter between Asuka and Shinji was still continuing. Ritsuko sighed as she saw the scores again rise in accuracy and precision. They'd been at it for hours now and they didn't seem willing to stop until they're score was untouchable. Perhaps Maya was right. They did need to blow off some steam in a more eventful way. That's when one of the techs conversations was over heard.
"I'm gonna dress up as a...well...I was thinking maybe a vampire"
"Vampire huh? If your gonna be that then I'm gonna be Frankenstein!"
Apparently Misato overheard this herself and was staring at the techs. They hushed immediately and went back to work. Misato obviously didn't know what that was about but Ritsuko had an idea in her head. Perhaps, we could make a holiday this month! She went over to the two techs once the 3 pilots rested awaiting for another round to test themselves that Ritsuko stood in front of the two conversationalists.
"SIR!" they both said standing up from their seats.
"So tell me, were you talking about a party or something just now?" the techs eyed each other. They had been from overseas and weren't of Japanese descent. One got a smirk on his face and replied.
"Sorry ma'am we won't disturb you any more"
"Granted, now tell me what was this party about?" the 2 techs stood silent for a moment before answering.
"A hallowe'en party Sir" They slightly grinned, as some of the other techs decided to listen into the conversation.
"What date is this party set for?" Ritsuko knew a bit of what hallowe'en was, for she had travelled the world while working for NERV.
"Well, as a normal traditional hallowe'en party would be, this one is on the 31st of October"
"Very well thank you for informing me" Ritsuko then left the test room for a bit and wandered off to what some would guess as the commanders office.
---
"A hallowe'en party? Well that's one thing I never expected from her" Fuyutsuki said as he watched her leave the commander office. Gendo had agreed to it, which was rather odd in Fuyutsuki's mind.
"Oh come now, good sensei. Even you know, that good students need to let loose once in awhile to continue functioning" Gendo said his gaze still facing forward his hands cupped in front of his mouth. Fuyutsuki only shrugged. Odd or not, it wasn't so bad. In the past month no angels had attacked, the city had begun to grow back to what it once was and the staff of NERV were getting bored of routine and tests.
"If you say so sir...but?"
"What sub-commander?" Fuyutsuki grinned as he asked his question.
"You gonna be the wolf man or should I?" Gendo's only reaction was covered by his gloved hands.
---
Shinji had only just walked out of the pilot change rooms with slightly damp hair to be confronted by a Misasto that was grinning ear to ear. Rei was already waiting there also wondering why Misato was holding her there and Asuka was just exiting the female pilot change room. Asuka could have sworn Misato was drunk, she never seemed half as giddy otherwise.
"So you guys ready to party?!"
"ARGH I SHOULD HAVE KNOW!" Shinji said holding his head. That had been her party smile. Asuka herself was slightly shocked. She also didn't have a clue at what Misato was going to party about...actually Misato through a party for about any reason she could think up, so there was little warning when she did throw them. Rei only stared.
"Buck up guys! I think Asuka would know what to do at this party! This one isn't a Japanese holiday" Shinji only wondered, as Asuka stood there thinking. Rei continued to stare.
"A hallowe'en party!" Misato said slightly peeved that nobody could guess it.
"A hail wiener party?" Shinji stuttered. Rei stared, Asuka giggled.
"No silly! A hallowe'en party!" Asuka said speaking the word slowly for Shinji to understand better.
"Dress up as ghouls and goblins, get candy and party away the night!" Asuka said really getting into the mood. Shinji still only wondered but he had begun to pick up a few of the ideas behind it. Rei stared.
"Well that's one way to put it Asuka. You really have much experience in the subject?" Misato said as they turned to walk down the hall.
"Well, in collage we did celebrate it once. It was amazing seeing all the black and orange decorations littered around the school. It was fun too!" Asuka continued to talk about all the things that she had seen relating to hallowe'en.
"Well, I guess it's Asuka's duty to decorate the apartment" Misato said was the 4 walked down the halls. "For some reason the commander practically ordered everyone that this holiday will be celebrated!"
"Well...things sure are weird...The city will be celebrating a non-Japanese holiday, in order to better relax...what?" Shinji said to Rei as she stared off into the wall as if it held all the answers.
"If I am ordered to" Rei said before walking off. Asuka only watched Rei leave for a second before commenting and running off herself. Shinji only wondered as he boarded an elevator that was heading back to Tokyo-3.
---
"Wow-EE!" Kensuke said. He was sitting on the edge of Shinji's desk the next day and was being informed of all the new details that his friend was informing him of. Togi was sitting deftly to the right of Shinji as he too listened in to Shinji's plight. Actually it didn't sound all that bad but with Asuka being the one leading the festivities, it just couldn't be good.
"And your sure that *Togi nods towards Asuka* she has to be the one to tell us what to do?" Togi said. Shinji sat at his desk and obviously looked tired. If he told them why rumours would fly around the school like hotcakes at an all-you-can-eat. Shinji just nodded before replacing his head back on his desk. Kensuke didn't seem finished with him yet and begun to poke him.
"You do realize that this is gonna be like the biggest thing for a long time you know!" Shinji only stared back at Kensuke as Togi seemed to catch onto Kensuke's train of thought.
"Yeah. I just remembered!!! This is gonna be like the biggest event for a LONG time!" Shinji now moved his gaze over to Togi and some of the class was moving their gazes over to Togi's conversation. Asuka had also looked over but seeing how they didn't even mention females she went back to gossiping with Hikari in the back corner.
"You do know don't you Shinji?!" Kensuke asked after seeing Shinji's blank expression towards Togi.
"There's gonna be a big parade!!!" Togi and Kensuke declared at once. This drew the attention of the whole class. Stooge #2,3 both turned slightly red and shooed off looks directed towards them. At this point the professor came in and Hikari went into auto-matic.
"Stand up! Bow! Sit down!"
It wasn't until the professor was a good way into his old recollections till Shinji got a message calling his attention away from the ceiling. Shinji only stared at it dumb founded before glancing around and answering it.
**Hey what were you Stooges talking about?!**
**Asuka**
Shinji paused and looked over his shoulder to Asuka and saw her giving him an inquiring look. Shinji turned his back to her thought for a moment about giving her a nasty reply, but decided that the truth would better confuse her. Soon Asuka's screen was blinking a message too.
**Well, Togi and Kensuke got excited about this "holiday" of yours**
**Shinji**
Asuka only wondered, why would Stooges be so excited over this thing? She promptly typed the question, Shinji typed back immediately.
**Beats me. However they were really interested with
the idea of a parade...Was that your idea?**
**Shinji**
Shinji could hear Asuka say "Parade? What the..." before another message popped up on his screen.
**From Asuka's gasp, I guess you guys really didn't know. There's to be a parade that night. It was said that the EVA's would be marching in it**
**kEnSuKe**
Shinji's could have sworn his eyes bulged from his head and from the looks of everyone in the class he guessed he made an outburst too. He quickly bowed, apologized to the teacher, who swiftly went back to his "speech" after everything had settled down. though Shinji could swear he still heard girls giggling in the back row somewhere.
**What was that about?**
**Asuka**
Shinji then gave her several messages warning her not make another scene. Shinji knew the teacher didn't like being interrupted even if it wasn't anything important. Shinji felt like he had chalk dust in his lungs after his last interruption of the teacher. Shinji slowly typed the message Kensuke sent to him and sent it to Asuka. Silence...so quiet...Like the quiet before a storm. You could hear a pin down from down the hall if it wasn't for the professors talking. It begun as a slow moan, and quickly turned up in volume till it reached a pinnacle. The whole class now faced Asuka Langley Sohryu after she screamed out " WHAT!?!". Shinji only sighed as the teacher looked daggers towards Asuka and Shinji.
---
"Well...that sure was different" Togi commented as Asuka, Kensuke, Shinji, Togi, Hikari and Rei herself all walked towards Misato's apartment. The teacher had dropped enough homework on Shinji and Asuka that match what they had already done the rest of the year. Shinji looked down and Asuka looked down right whipped.
"Well...I guess...two interruptions...is just too much for him to let slip..." said a half dead Shinji. Asuka and him were carrying all the books Sensei had given them, and they felt and probably looked like a pack horse with all the things he was carrying. Asuka then seemed to perk up much like an EVA when attached to a power cord.
"Hmm. I really want to check up with Ritsuko and Misato to see if this Parade thing is true" Asuka said. Kensuke and Togi only looked at her as if she suddenly turned into a cup of hot chocolate; odd how it happened but inviting.
They continued to walk until they got to Misato's apartment. There they shoved away they're school books into the corner of the hall doorway and settled around the table. Misato was just in her room and gave a half hearty hello. Shinji had gotten drinks for everyone and even put a Yebisu at Misato's usual seat. They all drank in silence letting they're drinks sooth away they're pains from the day, everyone but Rei, she just sipped. Shinji was wondering if he should go get Misato so that they could settle this parade rumour or if he should stay and "entertain" the guests a little longer. Before reaching his decision though the sync training he and Asuka shared must have held in effect as she thought the same thing, but unlike her spineless counter part she didn't feel like waiting.
"Hey Misato! We need you to help us answer this question we got" Asuka said breaking the silence as she walked in front of the door. She knocked on it and heard Misato's reply to come in. Asuka did and promptly gasped. This gasp was very noticeable as the whole table turned towards Misato's door as it hung open but nothing inside it could be seen.
"Your not...going out in that...in public? Right...?" Shinji heard Asuka the same as everyone else, but he blushed like somebody poured red paint all over him, if Asuka had seem him she might have thought he was unit 02 he was so red.
Kensuke and Togi only grinned at each other as they're boyish thoughts took hold of them. Hikari saw this and was frowning deeply and Rei sat sipping her drink. Shinji almost knew what Asuka was talking about was the costume Misato brought with her last night when she came in. Misato said it was something like "Frankenstein's Wife"? It was a VERY loose dress with fish net stockings and gave very generous views of cleavage. He knew this only from looking at the dress in her bag...He almost got a nose bleed just thinking about Misato wearing it. This fact wasn't missed by Kensuke and Togi and they grinned even more. Hikari didn't know what was going on but she frowned deeper and was developing a twitch. Asuka had at this point walked out of Misato's room and gave the Stooges the look of death, clearly indicating "NOT TO ENTER THIS ROOM". Regardless of what Asuka did to deter them, Misato poked her upper body past the door frame and waved at the crowd. Togi and Kensuke fall over in seeming bliss, Shinji clamped his eyes and nose shut with his hands, Hikari's foot was on a collision course with Togi while Asuka shoved Misato back into her room. Rei just sipped her drink peacefully.
"Miii-saaatoo..."Droolled Stooge #2 and 3. Hikari had enough of this and was whooping some sense into Togi While Asuka was barely holding her sides from splitting at seeing Shinji holding both hands over his face which was beet red. Misato soon came out dressed more 'normal' (well for Misato, and this still meant that Togi and Kensuke were in a dream like state)
"So you guys wanted me for something?" Hikari and Asuka slapped the closet stooge to them after seeing there faces from Misato's question. Luckily Shinji wasn't one of them. as Rei made for an effective wall.
"Well Misato...Kensuke's started up a massive rumour of a hollow'd weed parade" Asuka could only stare at Shinji's poor pronunciation. Misato herself giggled a bit but didn't correct him.
"Well, your right on both accounts. There's a big parade being planned. Floats, bands and somehow it seemed to put EVA in there too" Misato said. She clearly stated the idea was hers and had a grin ear to ear to go with the words. Shinji wasn't much for...publicity but he knew Asuka thrived off that sort of thing. Even more so cause it would allow her to show off her piloting skills to the public. She stated this fact bluntly, but Togi saw a kink in that armour and he pounced...
"But no-one other then us will know your in it"
This had dumbfounded Asuka and Hikari hissed at Togi. Togi still felt a bit of elation at seeing the red-headed pilot look stunned, as the realization washed over her. She still managed a come back. Due to the content of the words used I refuse to allow this to become a *LEMON*...however it invoked creative uses of Misato's cooking, PenPen's freezer, a pump up doll and a rusty pair of hedge clippers. Hikari blushed feverishly and Togi only sat with a stunned look on his face. Rei passed out, turns out she had one of Misato's beers.
---
"Bye!...I'm sure Asuka wasn't serious Togi, don't worry!" Shinji said as he watched the group walk down the hall before closing the door. Shinji walked back towards the living-room as Asuka's talk with Misato about the benefits of having everyone know her skills. PenPen had settled on the couch and had the remote in his flippers clicking away until he found the nature channel. He had clicked onto a news station but before switching Shinji had swiped the remote. A scuffle ensued at that as the news reporter droned on. Apparently something interesting was on because Misato and Asuka hushed them and watched the TV.
"On October 31st there will be a parade at 10:30, to help celebrate hallowe'en. I'll be hosting the broadcast from the main route and giving all the details as they come in. there's word that NERV, the militia that has since begun it's life in Tokyo-3 will be adding to the showing. More news at 11!"
"Weren't EVA's supposed to be a secret Misato? Like really, there's never a soul in sight when we're running around in them and anyone that is around gets reprimanded badly" Shinji said thinking over the newscasters announcement.
"Well, generally speaking, EVA's were a secret but only until the Angels came. It became public knowledge they existed as soon as we deployed one" Misato said a little down trodden before continuing "However, I think after all these months, about everyone knows about their existence. This will be the first time in using an EVA for non-combat reasons. I guess I agreed with Ritsuko about the parade thing because I want to show everybody that the EVA's are on our side"
This made Asuka hush anything she was about to say and they all thought about it quietly until the next day.
---
"A Parade...and EVA being the main show piece. This could be interesting" Fuyutsuki said in his usual position near in Gendo's office.
"Yes. Make sure all security precautions are taken...we shouldn't allow too much information about them" Fuyutsuki continued. At this Gendo nodded.
---
"Did you hear the news?! NERV is going to actually be contributing to the parade!"
"Yeah! I hope we get to see what they're going to contribute!"
"I bet it's the EVA's!"
"Oh that would be soo cool! I wonder what they think about it!"
"Who's they?"
"Asuka, Shinji and that Rei girl! You know the pilots of the EVAs!"
Rei sat in her seat looking out the window again and was being 'treated' to a healthy dose of gossip from the girls a few rows behind her. Actually the whole room was gossiping at a low tone as the teacher once again rumbled off his stories of life before and after second impact. The news had confirmed Kensuke's rumour and the whole class couldn't resist talking about it. In fact a lot of the class was busy E-mailing or talking to Shinji and Asuka had a crowd around her, unlike Shinji Asuka almost lived of this attention and she told everyone around her what to expect come Hallowe'en. Rei just sat staring out the window, she didn't crave attention nor did she acknowledge it. She just watched as the world around her lived as she sat. Something did come to her though. She paused and looked over to Ikari and then Langley before going back to her cloud staring routine. who's idea was it to allow this parade?
---
"Maya, I see you've gotten even better! Your analyst skills sure have gotten faster. Soon I can start thinking about retirement if you keep this up" Beamed Ritsuko. Maya just finished routing through the data files of all the EVA pilots. There was another sync test today and Ritsuko had decided to match up all the data of the pilots and EVAs to see how different things will be this time. They were going to use a new EVA plug for the EVAs but first they were going to test how effective the pilots sync ratios were using the test data. The new EVA plugs were designed to give faster updates, better micro management of communications a mapping system and some other new features. The plugs looked the same on the outside but inside they had a slightly extended seat for the pilot, this was too allow more equipment to fit inside.
"Doctor...don't joke about things like that. I'm still not half as fast as you" Maya said with a slight blush on her face from the compliment.
"So we can expect good things Maya?"
"Yes, these plugs are virtually the same so there's nothing to worry about"
"Don't say that. You might just jinx us"
"Could we just start this test already!?" Asuka's voice carried over the intercom. Ritsuko signed as Maya smirked.
---
Shinji had just entered the pilot change room. Originally the change rooms were 1. But since Shinji got there a slim ALMOST see through panel was erected were the 2 rooms had connected. It didn't do too much to block any conversations being overheard by the next room as it was proving again as Shinji over heard Asuka's rambling/ranting random cursing or whatever it was today. Shinji pressed the button on his plug suit and it depressed making it a loose fitting. As Shinji was reaching into the shower he over heard Asuka scream out...
"WHAT?! Hey, that's my right wondergirl and to prove it to you..." The rest of Asuka's rambling was drowned out by Shinji's shower. This LCL crud really reeks and seems so sticky if not washed off. After coming out of the shower he over heard the ending half of Asuka's screaming...
"...beat you any day!"
Shinji only wondered what happened to make Asuka so competitive as he dressed in silence.
---
"Well...It's been...well...weeks since any attacks. Not that I'm sour about that. It's just that we know there are Angels still coming, so we have decided to do live training excises using the EVAs" Hyuga told Aoba.
Aoba hadn't been in touch in the past few days. Actually he just came back from a short vacation. His mood was...well divided. He didn't hate working for NERV and he liked how he held a lot of the important aspects of NERV. He also wasn't crazy about the job, in fact sometimes he felt right out nasty working here. Watching children go out to fight monsters the size of most skyscrapers using equally tall mecha-monsters(his personal preference when naming EVAs) could nearly make him sick to his stomach. He knew Hyuga held many of the same feelings towards the job but not all the feelings were mutual. Hyuga seemed to have a thing for Major Katsuragi, no surprise really, she was quite the looker. Maya was off doing...well whatever the second in command of the science team of NERV.
"Hmmm. Live drills with EVAs...no angels...the weather gonna be good too?"
"Heh. Aoba you know almost as much as I do. In fact you probably feel the same. Though I think the EVA drills are to allow the pilots to blow off some steam before the event"
"Event? Oh the hallowe'en parade? I thought that idea rocked. We get to show off our pride and joy without worrying about civilians in the battlefield eh?"
"Yeah. Should be fun!"
Ritsuko came into the main office at this point and took her usual position standing over Maya observing data inflow. Misato Katsuragi also came in a few seconds afterwards. The EVA drills were to take place in the geo-front, but before launching the EVAs all sensor stations were ordered to report in to make sure that no anomalies could threaten Tokyo-3 while it's valiant defenders went over combat drills in the underground geo-front.
---
Water...
Ebb and flows...
Like...red...
Blood
Blood...red flowing...
LCL smelled like...
Blood.
tasted like...
Blood.
Was it...?
"Shinji...you in position?" Ritsuko's words lulled Rei out of her thinking. Rei had been the first to reach her position as stated by Misato. There had been...technical difficulties with EVA 01 and 02's loading process. Perhaps it was because of the second child's anger at the third child. Rei readjusted her EVA's stance seeing the mission timer count down till go.
"3...2...1...GO!"
The 3 EVAs tore off as if they were professional trackstars. The first drill was a race, to gauge effectiveness of each EVA's personal potential. 20 laps around the geo-front. While the geo-front was huge without a doubt, an EVA could race along the edges for about 3 minutes at running speed per lap. Ritsuko's team of scientists charted down all the times of each lap the pilots sync rates and any other little thing they could fill a page with writing about. Shinji's unit 01 came out on top finishing it's laps first followed by Asuka's unit 02 then Rei's unit 00, it had been a neck and neck race till the end but it ended much like the crew expected. Misato had noticed a few bets taking place and while she scolded the bridge bunnies on such things Misato secretly put a few yen labelling Shinji to come out on top. Ritsuko studied the results and decided to move on to other drills. After 3 hours the EVA pilots did, jumping jacks, laps, long jumps and finally they got to the part where all the betting was being put on, wrestling. The EVA's would have only standard B-type equipment without the progressive knives or shoulder gear. It is better described as an EVA mercy fight. A lot of bets were being laid the current favoured winners were Shinji 46%, Asuka 31%, Rei 23% based on the bets placed.
This had been the time that Asuka was waiting for. She decided to announce her challenge.
"Ohhh Rei?"
"What is it pilot Sohryu?"
"Remember that I told you I'd fight you for the right to lead that parade?" Shinji moaned at hearing Asuka announce this. She was making this personal, and Shinji somehow felt that someone was going to get hurt.
"Asuka, is this even appropriate at this time!?" Shinji making himself heard. Asuka's com channel flicked to life and she had enough fire in her eyes to make her hair seem frizzled out.
"What times better then now?" Asuka seemed to get a glow about her, if something was related to Asuka's pride she'd do anything to fulfil it.
"Fine" Rei and Shinji said. Asuka beamed...again.
"Me vs Wondergirl! You can wait your turn to be stomped later" Asuka declared. Ritsuko who was monitoring/conducting the drills, only shrugged. It didn't matter to her how these were carried out just as long as minimal damage to the EVAs occurs and data is collected.
"Unit 00 and Unit 02 will spar first, you wait off a bit to the side Shinji until their done" Shinji obeyed Ritsuko's orders. Both unit 02 and unit 00 stared off at each other, Shinji could have sworn it was a mock wild west stand off from one of Kensuke's cheesy movie collection. There seemed to be tension in the air as the two EVAs bore into each others gaze. They rose their hands together and relaxed into each others grips. Ritsuko announced go and both EVAs lurched forward attempting to bend the other to it's will. Ritsuko nearly did a little jig, she was so thrilled at all the data coming through.
In the geo-front the 2 EVAs are getting they're legs into the mix and have begun wandering around. Asuka almost had the first victory nearly toppling Rei over at the sound of the go. Rei being the trooper she was, merely shifted her stance and Asuka found she had a real contender. Shinji stared in awe of the EVA's staring eye to eyes as their grips tightened. Rei usually wasn't so fierce but Rei had been ordered to test the limits of her EVA and Asuka was a natural born star that had a bad tendency to hold nothing back, together they scuffled tearing up the ground they battled over. Finally Asuka's EVA had lost it's balance and Rei claimed the first victory. Asuka fumed as Shinji was matched against Rei after a short break.
The EVA's gripped their hands together and peered into each others eyes and Ritsuko announced go! Rei as ordered set her EVA on full force but Shinji matched her tit for tat. Once again the EVAs roamed around the geo-front each attempting to unbalance their foe. Shinji almost lost as Rei tripped up Shinji in the over turned soil from her last bout, but Shinji made it up to her and neatly soaked her by forcing her into the lake. The slick mud made the EVA lose it's footing and Shinji stood on top of the pile that was Ayanami Rei. Asuka grumbled something about sexist-pigs and Shinji forced to defend himself agreed to her mercy fight as well. Another massive struggle ensued with no rest to EVA 01 after it's bout with unit 00. Shinji and Asuka finally gave up to a draw when Ritsuko announced the time was up the geo-front was rather...messy with a many of EVA foot prints littering the ground. However Asuka, hadn't finished with the pilots yet.
"We'll settle this another day then children!"
Shinji only stared at Asuka's image and after it winked off he commented "Your only a child yourself"
~~~~~~~~
*Hot air Zone detected avert eyes to avoid idiocy, babbling and senseless author ramblings*
Well after a nice(shivers) long(breaks out in a sweat) vacation(in hell), I've had a whole new inspiration come into my life... However after waking, I passed it off as bad gas and went back to sleep.
I have a seriously bad tendency of forgetting to add characters into the fic(slaps forehead). So I'm trying to make Cameo appearances of each character at least once... I'll tell ya one thing. I just can't type a decent Rei Ayanami(well one that isn't OOC) And this has flustered me to no end.
Allow me to give useless banter about myself. I'm a slacker, a wiener, undermotivated-inanimate-dimwitted-coach potato. Yet I can still whip off this piece of Cra...ss fiction with some satisfaction. Now that we got that cleared up! My new leash on life(brush with death) from my vacation has given me ideas on what to do! First off would be to stop typing this and place the next chapter eh?... Well your right. No rest for the weary...or me for that matter.
"words" is speech
**words** is computer text
The start of this fic is somewhere after the 11th angel(Misato's a Major) and I've seen about a dozen different last names for Asuka. I've had a constant headache from all that, so in this fic she's Asuka Langley *SOHRYU* not Soryu, not Souryu(Oh that one peeved me off) and not what ever little pet names you've come up with her! With that said...
Enjoy!
DrunkDrake
A Calling Of Souls
Chapter 03 : The games we play...
~~~~~~~~
Misato finally got back to her apartment. She knew it was a mess when she left Asuka and Shinji to head back in. She actually did have a decent reason for driving away leaving them to deal with the mess...she didn't want to get stuck helping out too. Well there were better reasons but the earlier fact encouraged her to finish the other ones that day. Hyuga had said that she would have to fill out a few performance sheets, for a few of the leaving NERV employees. Odd as that was, some people did have lives outside of angel attacks and they were leaving for their own reasons. None of the key personal were allowed to leave, due to the fact that they knew a bit too much to be released. This little detail lasted her deep into the night and as she was leaving through the door, Ritsuko decided that she needed an up date of EVA performances and new weapons that were being developed. Misato could have given Ritsuko the stare of death if it wasn't for the fact that there had been no coffee in the NERV cafeteria, and beer was unheard of in HQ. Misato was at half power as Ritsuko gave her the descriptions, power requirements, ammo types and EVA's best suited to use each one. Misato could have sworn she was sleeping with her eyes open but Ritsuko didn't notice, or maybe she did cause that's when she finished and commented Misato go home and sleep. Misato somehow stumbled through the hall towards the apartment and leaned against the door.
Shinji opened the door because Misato's fore head was against the ring button and a very annoying ring was continuously ringing. However he wasn't ready for Misato to fall over him since she lost her only sense of balance, the door. Asuka had also woken up by the ringing and was storming about looking for something(mostly Shinji) to beat on to vent her frustrations. She however wasn't prepared for Shinji's yelp so she peered around the corner of the room into the hall. Shinji was flushed red, she could almost hear a count down from the throbbing of his nose till it burst. However he seemed to have tunnelled out of her embrace and was attempting to pick her up. Misato seemed to shift from a state of sleep, drunken movements and odd flailing movements as she muttered something about beer, men and work. Asuka's graze was found by Shinji and he mouthed the words "DON'T JUST STAND THERE, HELP!" which is what Asuka did. Together they dragged Misato back to her room and let her slip into her mess that could only be her bed. Asuka and Shinji left for their rooms soon after Misato curled up mumbling something about apartment being too clean again.
"Double or nothing?" Asuka asked Shinji who could only stare at her. Then he smiled and then said he'd take the bet.
---
Misato woke up the next day and found herself in her mess of a bed and had a splitting headache...It kept throbbing to a rhythm...of the phone? She gingerly reached out and dragged the noisy distraction to her.
"...llo?"
"I see your up and early Misato"
"...Ritsuko? what you wanting Dis early in DA morning?"
"Afternoon Misato. I've decided to run tests on the new weaponry using the EVAs. It's been scheduled two hours from now" Misato at this point had reverted to a sitting position and was beginning to understand human tongue again. She checked the clock she left around the bed and it read 3:12.
"Yeah sure, Ritsuko. I'll be there in time, don't *yawn* worry" Misato hung up the phone and exited her room. Pen-Pen wasn't anywhere to be seen but the apartment was almost spotless, other then a few new stains on that rug Asuka hates. Misato grabbed her Yebisu from the fridge and swallowed the contents like she was in the middle of a desert. After her resounding echo died out, she found she had an audience. Asuka was watching from the living room and Shinji poking his head out of the door.
"What?"
"Told ya!"
"But she didn't follow the exact plan! Half and half take it or leave it" Shinji said facing Asuka.
"Hey you chickening out or what!?" Asuka claimed giving up her interest with the TV and facing Shinji. Shinji backed a bit but didn't let down.
"You stated that if she was awoken from her alarm clock second thing she'd do is reach for the beer! She was awoken from a phone call" Shinji said.
"WHAT!! You dare make me cook dinner!? Fine then" Asuka said giving up. Misato just stood in the middle and attempted to figure why they argued over her and if she was getting predictable. Over this time she didn't notice the hub-bub picking up again.
"HEY you turned off her alarm clock!" Asuka said
"Well...it's all fair considering you put in 3 other alarm clocks after I left her!" Shinji stated back bluntly.
"You saying I tried to Cheat!? You!! YOU!" Asuka was just in swatting reach of Shinji.
"Pretty smart Shinji!" Asuka only looked over from where she was, to the beaming Misato.
"Your taking his side!? But we're women! He's only a boy!!! How dare you attempt to divide us Misato!" Asuka was bellowing at both of them for no reason at this point. Just as Asuka was attempting to make another point Misato stated
"New testing in an hour and a half" Misato pointed to the clock stating her point.
"That's still plenty of time for Asuka to cook us something!" Stated Shinji barely holding back a smile. Misato only gurgled a response lifting the beer can to her face.
"JUST ENOUGH TIME FOR ME TO KICK YOUR DUMMKOPF ASS!" Asuka screamed chasing after a retreating Shinji.
---
"OW OW OW OW OW OW!"
"Are you two still fighting?!" Ritsuko said over the main comm channel. Asuka's EVA just swatted Shinji's. Ritsuko didn't know why but lately hostilities have picked up between the pilots. Rei was very quiet and barely said a word as she followed the exercises as ordered but somehow she didn't seem like she always was. Shinji and Asuka though were visibly arguing over the comm channel and in the exercises. They'd surpass their own scores just to mock the other until they themselves were beaten. So they'd go at it again setting new records. It was almost growing into a confrontation really. Ritsuko just hoped they didn't use those new weapons on each other.
"Ritsuko...perhaps it's been a long time since these pilots let out any steam. They have begun to show stress and their Sync scores were dipping a bit lately" Maya said still watching the tests go on. The verbal chatter between Asuka and Shinji was still continuing. Ritsuko sighed as she saw the scores again rise in accuracy and precision. They'd been at it for hours now and they didn't seem willing to stop until they're score was untouchable. Perhaps Maya was right. They did need to blow off some steam in a more eventful way. That's when one of the techs conversations was over heard.
"I'm gonna dress up as a...well...I was thinking maybe a vampire"
"Vampire huh? If your gonna be that then I'm gonna be Frankenstein!"
Apparently Misato overheard this herself and was staring at the techs. They hushed immediately and went back to work. Misato obviously didn't know what that was about but Ritsuko had an idea in her head. Perhaps, we could make a holiday this month! She went over to the two techs once the 3 pilots rested awaiting for another round to test themselves that Ritsuko stood in front of the two conversationalists.
"SIR!" they both said standing up from their seats.
"So tell me, were you talking about a party or something just now?" the techs eyed each other. They had been from overseas and weren't of Japanese descent. One got a smirk on his face and replied.
"Sorry ma'am we won't disturb you any more"
"Granted, now tell me what was this party about?" the 2 techs stood silent for a moment before answering.
"A hallowe'en party Sir" They slightly grinned, as some of the other techs decided to listen into the conversation.
"What date is this party set for?" Ritsuko knew a bit of what hallowe'en was, for she had travelled the world while working for NERV.
"Well, as a normal traditional hallowe'en party would be, this one is on the 31st of October"
"Very well thank you for informing me" Ritsuko then left the test room for a bit and wandered off to what some would guess as the commanders office.
---
"A hallowe'en party? Well that's one thing I never expected from her" Fuyutsuki said as he watched her leave the commander office. Gendo had agreed to it, which was rather odd in Fuyutsuki's mind.
"Oh come now, good sensei. Even you know, that good students need to let loose once in awhile to continue functioning" Gendo said his gaze still facing forward his hands cupped in front of his mouth. Fuyutsuki only shrugged. Odd or not, it wasn't so bad. In the past month no angels had attacked, the city had begun to grow back to what it once was and the staff of NERV were getting bored of routine and tests.
"If you say so sir...but?"
"What sub-commander?" Fuyutsuki grinned as he asked his question.
"You gonna be the wolf man or should I?" Gendo's only reaction was covered by his gloved hands.
---
Shinji had only just walked out of the pilot change rooms with slightly damp hair to be confronted by a Misasto that was grinning ear to ear. Rei was already waiting there also wondering why Misato was holding her there and Asuka was just exiting the female pilot change room. Asuka could have sworn Misato was drunk, she never seemed half as giddy otherwise.
"So you guys ready to party?!"
"ARGH I SHOULD HAVE KNOW!" Shinji said holding his head. That had been her party smile. Asuka herself was slightly shocked. She also didn't have a clue at what Misato was going to party about...actually Misato through a party for about any reason she could think up, so there was little warning when she did throw them. Rei only stared.
"Buck up guys! I think Asuka would know what to do at this party! This one isn't a Japanese holiday" Shinji only wondered, as Asuka stood there thinking. Rei continued to stare.
"A hallowe'en party!" Misato said slightly peeved that nobody could guess it.
"A hail wiener party?" Shinji stuttered. Rei stared, Asuka giggled.
"No silly! A hallowe'en party!" Asuka said speaking the word slowly for Shinji to understand better.
"Dress up as ghouls and goblins, get candy and party away the night!" Asuka said really getting into the mood. Shinji still only wondered but he had begun to pick up a few of the ideas behind it. Rei stared.
"Well that's one way to put it Asuka. You really have much experience in the subject?" Misato said as they turned to walk down the hall.
"Well, in collage we did celebrate it once. It was amazing seeing all the black and orange decorations littered around the school. It was fun too!" Asuka continued to talk about all the things that she had seen relating to hallowe'en.
"Well, I guess it's Asuka's duty to decorate the apartment" Misato said was the 4 walked down the halls. "For some reason the commander practically ordered everyone that this holiday will be celebrated!"
"Well...things sure are weird...The city will be celebrating a non-Japanese holiday, in order to better relax...what?" Shinji said to Rei as she stared off into the wall as if it held all the answers.
"If I am ordered to" Rei said before walking off. Asuka only watched Rei leave for a second before commenting and running off herself. Shinji only wondered as he boarded an elevator that was heading back to Tokyo-3.
---
"Wow-EE!" Kensuke said. He was sitting on the edge of Shinji's desk the next day and was being informed of all the new details that his friend was informing him of. Togi was sitting deftly to the right of Shinji as he too listened in to Shinji's plight. Actually it didn't sound all that bad but with Asuka being the one leading the festivities, it just couldn't be good.
"And your sure that *Togi nods towards Asuka* she has to be the one to tell us what to do?" Togi said. Shinji sat at his desk and obviously looked tired. If he told them why rumours would fly around the school like hotcakes at an all-you-can-eat. Shinji just nodded before replacing his head back on his desk. Kensuke didn't seem finished with him yet and begun to poke him.
"You do realize that this is gonna be like the biggest thing for a long time you know!" Shinji only stared back at Kensuke as Togi seemed to catch onto Kensuke's train of thought.
"Yeah. I just remembered!!! This is gonna be like the biggest event for a LONG time!" Shinji now moved his gaze over to Togi and some of the class was moving their gazes over to Togi's conversation. Asuka had also looked over but seeing how they didn't even mention females she went back to gossiping with Hikari in the back corner.
"You do know don't you Shinji?!" Kensuke asked after seeing Shinji's blank expression towards Togi.
"There's gonna be a big parade!!!" Togi and Kensuke declared at once. This drew the attention of the whole class. Stooge #2,3 both turned slightly red and shooed off looks directed towards them. At this point the professor came in and Hikari went into auto-matic.
"Stand up! Bow! Sit down!"
It wasn't until the professor was a good way into his old recollections till Shinji got a message calling his attention away from the ceiling. Shinji only stared at it dumb founded before glancing around and answering it.
**Hey what were you Stooges talking about?!**
**Asuka**
Shinji paused and looked over his shoulder to Asuka and saw her giving him an inquiring look. Shinji turned his back to her thought for a moment about giving her a nasty reply, but decided that the truth would better confuse her. Soon Asuka's screen was blinking a message too.
**Well, Togi and Kensuke got excited about this "holiday" of yours**
**Shinji**
Asuka only wondered, why would Stooges be so excited over this thing? She promptly typed the question, Shinji typed back immediately.
**Beats me. However they were really interested with
the idea of a parade...Was that your idea?**
**Shinji**
Shinji could hear Asuka say "Parade? What the..." before another message popped up on his screen.
**From Asuka's gasp, I guess you guys really didn't know. There's to be a parade that night. It was said that the EVA's would be marching in it**
**kEnSuKe**
Shinji's could have sworn his eyes bulged from his head and from the looks of everyone in the class he guessed he made an outburst too. He quickly bowed, apologized to the teacher, who swiftly went back to his "speech" after everything had settled down. though Shinji could swear he still heard girls giggling in the back row somewhere.
**What was that about?**
**Asuka**
Shinji then gave her several messages warning her not make another scene. Shinji knew the teacher didn't like being interrupted even if it wasn't anything important. Shinji felt like he had chalk dust in his lungs after his last interruption of the teacher. Shinji slowly typed the message Kensuke sent to him and sent it to Asuka. Silence...so quiet...Like the quiet before a storm. You could hear a pin down from down the hall if it wasn't for the professors talking. It begun as a slow moan, and quickly turned up in volume till it reached a pinnacle. The whole class now faced Asuka Langley Sohryu after she screamed out " WHAT!?!". Shinji only sighed as the teacher looked daggers towards Asuka and Shinji.
---
"Well...that sure was different" Togi commented as Asuka, Kensuke, Shinji, Togi, Hikari and Rei herself all walked towards Misato's apartment. The teacher had dropped enough homework on Shinji and Asuka that match what they had already done the rest of the year. Shinji looked down and Asuka looked down right whipped.
"Well...I guess...two interruptions...is just too much for him to let slip..." said a half dead Shinji. Asuka and him were carrying all the books Sensei had given them, and they felt and probably looked like a pack horse with all the things he was carrying. Asuka then seemed to perk up much like an EVA when attached to a power cord.
"Hmm. I really want to check up with Ritsuko and Misato to see if this Parade thing is true" Asuka said. Kensuke and Togi only looked at her as if she suddenly turned into a cup of hot chocolate; odd how it happened but inviting.
They continued to walk until they got to Misato's apartment. There they shoved away they're school books into the corner of the hall doorway and settled around the table. Misato was just in her room and gave a half hearty hello. Shinji had gotten drinks for everyone and even put a Yebisu at Misato's usual seat. They all drank in silence letting they're drinks sooth away they're pains from the day, everyone but Rei, she just sipped. Shinji was wondering if he should go get Misato so that they could settle this parade rumour or if he should stay and "entertain" the guests a little longer. Before reaching his decision though the sync training he and Asuka shared must have held in effect as she thought the same thing, but unlike her spineless counter part she didn't feel like waiting.
"Hey Misato! We need you to help us answer this question we got" Asuka said breaking the silence as she walked in front of the door. She knocked on it and heard Misato's reply to come in. Asuka did and promptly gasped. This gasp was very noticeable as the whole table turned towards Misato's door as it hung open but nothing inside it could be seen.
"Your not...going out in that...in public? Right...?" Shinji heard Asuka the same as everyone else, but he blushed like somebody poured red paint all over him, if Asuka had seem him she might have thought he was unit 02 he was so red.
Kensuke and Togi only grinned at each other as they're boyish thoughts took hold of them. Hikari saw this and was frowning deeply and Rei sat sipping her drink. Shinji almost knew what Asuka was talking about was the costume Misato brought with her last night when she came in. Misato said it was something like "Frankenstein's Wife"? It was a VERY loose dress with fish net stockings and gave very generous views of cleavage. He knew this only from looking at the dress in her bag...He almost got a nose bleed just thinking about Misato wearing it. This fact wasn't missed by Kensuke and Togi and they grinned even more. Hikari didn't know what was going on but she frowned deeper and was developing a twitch. Asuka had at this point walked out of Misato's room and gave the Stooges the look of death, clearly indicating "NOT TO ENTER THIS ROOM". Regardless of what Asuka did to deter them, Misato poked her upper body past the door frame and waved at the crowd. Togi and Kensuke fall over in seeming bliss, Shinji clamped his eyes and nose shut with his hands, Hikari's foot was on a collision course with Togi while Asuka shoved Misato back into her room. Rei just sipped her drink peacefully.
"Miii-saaatoo..."Droolled Stooge #2 and 3. Hikari had enough of this and was whooping some sense into Togi While Asuka was barely holding her sides from splitting at seeing Shinji holding both hands over his face which was beet red. Misato soon came out dressed more 'normal' (well for Misato, and this still meant that Togi and Kensuke were in a dream like state)
"So you guys wanted me for something?" Hikari and Asuka slapped the closet stooge to them after seeing there faces from Misato's question. Luckily Shinji wasn't one of them. as Rei made for an effective wall.
"Well Misato...Kensuke's started up a massive rumour of a hollow'd weed parade" Asuka could only stare at Shinji's poor pronunciation. Misato herself giggled a bit but didn't correct him.
"Well, your right on both accounts. There's a big parade being planned. Floats, bands and somehow it seemed to put EVA in there too" Misato said. She clearly stated the idea was hers and had a grin ear to ear to go with the words. Shinji wasn't much for...publicity but he knew Asuka thrived off that sort of thing. Even more so cause it would allow her to show off her piloting skills to the public. She stated this fact bluntly, but Togi saw a kink in that armour and he pounced...
"But no-one other then us will know your in it"
This had dumbfounded Asuka and Hikari hissed at Togi. Togi still felt a bit of elation at seeing the red-headed pilot look stunned, as the realization washed over her. She still managed a come back. Due to the content of the words used I refuse to allow this to become a *LEMON*...however it invoked creative uses of Misato's cooking, PenPen's freezer, a pump up doll and a rusty pair of hedge clippers. Hikari blushed feverishly and Togi only sat with a stunned look on his face. Rei passed out, turns out she had one of Misato's beers.
---
"Bye!...I'm sure Asuka wasn't serious Togi, don't worry!" Shinji said as he watched the group walk down the hall before closing the door. Shinji walked back towards the living-room as Asuka's talk with Misato about the benefits of having everyone know her skills. PenPen had settled on the couch and had the remote in his flippers clicking away until he found the nature channel. He had clicked onto a news station but before switching Shinji had swiped the remote. A scuffle ensued at that as the news reporter droned on. Apparently something interesting was on because Misato and Asuka hushed them and watched the TV.
"On October 31st there will be a parade at 10:30, to help celebrate hallowe'en. I'll be hosting the broadcast from the main route and giving all the details as they come in. there's word that NERV, the militia that has since begun it's life in Tokyo-3 will be adding to the showing. More news at 11!"
"Weren't EVA's supposed to be a secret Misato? Like really, there's never a soul in sight when we're running around in them and anyone that is around gets reprimanded badly" Shinji said thinking over the newscasters announcement.
"Well, generally speaking, EVA's were a secret but only until the Angels came. It became public knowledge they existed as soon as we deployed one" Misato said a little down trodden before continuing "However, I think after all these months, about everyone knows about their existence. This will be the first time in using an EVA for non-combat reasons. I guess I agreed with Ritsuko about the parade thing because I want to show everybody that the EVA's are on our side"
This made Asuka hush anything she was about to say and they all thought about it quietly until the next day.
---
"A Parade...and EVA being the main show piece. This could be interesting" Fuyutsuki said in his usual position near in Gendo's office.
"Yes. Make sure all security precautions are taken...we shouldn't allow too much information about them" Fuyutsuki continued. At this Gendo nodded.
---
"Did you hear the news?! NERV is going to actually be contributing to the parade!"
"Yeah! I hope we get to see what they're going to contribute!"
"I bet it's the EVA's!"
"Oh that would be soo cool! I wonder what they think about it!"
"Who's they?"
"Asuka, Shinji and that Rei girl! You know the pilots of the EVAs!"
Rei sat in her seat looking out the window again and was being 'treated' to a healthy dose of gossip from the girls a few rows behind her. Actually the whole room was gossiping at a low tone as the teacher once again rumbled off his stories of life before and after second impact. The news had confirmed Kensuke's rumour and the whole class couldn't resist talking about it. In fact a lot of the class was busy E-mailing or talking to Shinji and Asuka had a crowd around her, unlike Shinji Asuka almost lived of this attention and she told everyone around her what to expect come Hallowe'en. Rei just sat staring out the window, she didn't crave attention nor did she acknowledge it. She just watched as the world around her lived as she sat. Something did come to her though. She paused and looked over to Ikari and then Langley before going back to her cloud staring routine. who's idea was it to allow this parade?
---
"Maya, I see you've gotten even better! Your analyst skills sure have gotten faster. Soon I can start thinking about retirement if you keep this up" Beamed Ritsuko. Maya just finished routing through the data files of all the EVA pilots. There was another sync test today and Ritsuko had decided to match up all the data of the pilots and EVAs to see how different things will be this time. They were going to use a new EVA plug for the EVAs but first they were going to test how effective the pilots sync ratios were using the test data. The new EVA plugs were designed to give faster updates, better micro management of communications a mapping system and some other new features. The plugs looked the same on the outside but inside they had a slightly extended seat for the pilot, this was too allow more equipment to fit inside.
"Doctor...don't joke about things like that. I'm still not half as fast as you" Maya said with a slight blush on her face from the compliment.
"So we can expect good things Maya?"
"Yes, these plugs are virtually the same so there's nothing to worry about"
"Don't say that. You might just jinx us"
"Could we just start this test already!?" Asuka's voice carried over the intercom. Ritsuko signed as Maya smirked.
---
Shinji had just entered the pilot change room. Originally the change rooms were 1. But since Shinji got there a slim ALMOST see through panel was erected were the 2 rooms had connected. It didn't do too much to block any conversations being overheard by the next room as it was proving again as Shinji over heard Asuka's rambling/ranting random cursing or whatever it was today. Shinji pressed the button on his plug suit and it depressed making it a loose fitting. As Shinji was reaching into the shower he over heard Asuka scream out...
"WHAT?! Hey, that's my right wondergirl and to prove it to you..." The rest of Asuka's rambling was drowned out by Shinji's shower. This LCL crud really reeks and seems so sticky if not washed off. After coming out of the shower he over heard the ending half of Asuka's screaming...
"...beat you any day!"
Shinji only wondered what happened to make Asuka so competitive as he dressed in silence.
---
"Well...It's been...well...weeks since any attacks. Not that I'm sour about that. It's just that we know there are Angels still coming, so we have decided to do live training excises using the EVAs" Hyuga told Aoba.
Aoba hadn't been in touch in the past few days. Actually he just came back from a short vacation. His mood was...well divided. He didn't hate working for NERV and he liked how he held a lot of the important aspects of NERV. He also wasn't crazy about the job, in fact sometimes he felt right out nasty working here. Watching children go out to fight monsters the size of most skyscrapers using equally tall mecha-monsters(his personal preference when naming EVAs) could nearly make him sick to his stomach. He knew Hyuga held many of the same feelings towards the job but not all the feelings were mutual. Hyuga seemed to have a thing for Major Katsuragi, no surprise really, she was quite the looker. Maya was off doing...well whatever the second in command of the science team of NERV.
"Hmmm. Live drills with EVAs...no angels...the weather gonna be good too?"
"Heh. Aoba you know almost as much as I do. In fact you probably feel the same. Though I think the EVA drills are to allow the pilots to blow off some steam before the event"
"Event? Oh the hallowe'en parade? I thought that idea rocked. We get to show off our pride and joy without worrying about civilians in the battlefield eh?"
"Yeah. Should be fun!"
Ritsuko came into the main office at this point and took her usual position standing over Maya observing data inflow. Misato Katsuragi also came in a few seconds afterwards. The EVA drills were to take place in the geo-front, but before launching the EVAs all sensor stations were ordered to report in to make sure that no anomalies could threaten Tokyo-3 while it's valiant defenders went over combat drills in the underground geo-front.
---
Water...
Ebb and flows...
Like...red...
Blood
Blood...red flowing...
LCL smelled like...
Blood.
tasted like...
Blood.
Was it...?
"Shinji...you in position?" Ritsuko's words lulled Rei out of her thinking. Rei had been the first to reach her position as stated by Misato. There had been...technical difficulties with EVA 01 and 02's loading process. Perhaps it was because of the second child's anger at the third child. Rei readjusted her EVA's stance seeing the mission timer count down till go.
"3...2...1...GO!"
The 3 EVAs tore off as if they were professional trackstars. The first drill was a race, to gauge effectiveness of each EVA's personal potential. 20 laps around the geo-front. While the geo-front was huge without a doubt, an EVA could race along the edges for about 3 minutes at running speed per lap. Ritsuko's team of scientists charted down all the times of each lap the pilots sync rates and any other little thing they could fill a page with writing about. Shinji's unit 01 came out on top finishing it's laps first followed by Asuka's unit 02 then Rei's unit 00, it had been a neck and neck race till the end but it ended much like the crew expected. Misato had noticed a few bets taking place and while she scolded the bridge bunnies on such things Misato secretly put a few yen labelling Shinji to come out on top. Ritsuko studied the results and decided to move on to other drills. After 3 hours the EVA pilots did, jumping jacks, laps, long jumps and finally they got to the part where all the betting was being put on, wrestling. The EVA's would have only standard B-type equipment without the progressive knives or shoulder gear. It is better described as an EVA mercy fight. A lot of bets were being laid the current favoured winners were Shinji 46%, Asuka 31%, Rei 23% based on the bets placed.
This had been the time that Asuka was waiting for. She decided to announce her challenge.
"Ohhh Rei?"
"What is it pilot Sohryu?"
"Remember that I told you I'd fight you for the right to lead that parade?" Shinji moaned at hearing Asuka announce this. She was making this personal, and Shinji somehow felt that someone was going to get hurt.
"Asuka, is this even appropriate at this time!?" Shinji making himself heard. Asuka's com channel flicked to life and she had enough fire in her eyes to make her hair seem frizzled out.
"What times better then now?" Asuka seemed to get a glow about her, if something was related to Asuka's pride she'd do anything to fulfil it.
"Fine" Rei and Shinji said. Asuka beamed...again.
"Me vs Wondergirl! You can wait your turn to be stomped later" Asuka declared. Ritsuko who was monitoring/conducting the drills, only shrugged. It didn't matter to her how these were carried out just as long as minimal damage to the EVAs occurs and data is collected.
"Unit 00 and Unit 02 will spar first, you wait off a bit to the side Shinji until their done" Shinji obeyed Ritsuko's orders. Both unit 02 and unit 00 stared off at each other, Shinji could have sworn it was a mock wild west stand off from one of Kensuke's cheesy movie collection. There seemed to be tension in the air as the two EVAs bore into each others gaze. They rose their hands together and relaxed into each others grips. Ritsuko announced go and both EVAs lurched forward attempting to bend the other to it's will. Ritsuko nearly did a little jig, she was so thrilled at all the data coming through.
In the geo-front the 2 EVAs are getting they're legs into the mix and have begun wandering around. Asuka almost had the first victory nearly toppling Rei over at the sound of the go. Rei being the trooper she was, merely shifted her stance and Asuka found she had a real contender. Shinji stared in awe of the EVA's staring eye to eyes as their grips tightened. Rei usually wasn't so fierce but Rei had been ordered to test the limits of her EVA and Asuka was a natural born star that had a bad tendency to hold nothing back, together they scuffled tearing up the ground they battled over. Finally Asuka's EVA had lost it's balance and Rei claimed the first victory. Asuka fumed as Shinji was matched against Rei after a short break.
The EVA's gripped their hands together and peered into each others eyes and Ritsuko announced go! Rei as ordered set her EVA on full force but Shinji matched her tit for tat. Once again the EVAs roamed around the geo-front each attempting to unbalance their foe. Shinji almost lost as Rei tripped up Shinji in the over turned soil from her last bout, but Shinji made it up to her and neatly soaked her by forcing her into the lake. The slick mud made the EVA lose it's footing and Shinji stood on top of the pile that was Ayanami Rei. Asuka grumbled something about sexist-pigs and Shinji forced to defend himself agreed to her mercy fight as well. Another massive struggle ensued with no rest to EVA 01 after it's bout with unit 00. Shinji and Asuka finally gave up to a draw when Ritsuko announced the time was up the geo-front was rather...messy with a many of EVA foot prints littering the ground. However Asuka, hadn't finished with the pilots yet.
"We'll settle this another day then children!"
Shinji only stared at Asuka's image and after it winked off he commented "Your only a child yourself"
~~~~~~~~
*Hot air Zone detected avert eyes to avoid idiocy, babbling and senseless author ramblings*
Well after a nice(shivers) long(breaks out in a sweat) vacation(in hell), I've had a whole new inspiration come into my life... However after waking, I passed it off as bad gas and went back to sleep.
I have a seriously bad tendency of forgetting to add characters into the fic(slaps forehead). So I'm trying to make Cameo appearances of each character at least once... I'll tell ya one thing. I just can't type a decent Rei Ayanami(well one that isn't OOC) And this has flustered me to no end.
Allow me to give useless banter about myself. I'm a slacker, a wiener, undermotivated-inanimate-dimwitted-coach potato. Yet I can still whip off this piece of Cra...ss fiction with some satisfaction. Now that we got that cleared up! My new leash on life(brush with death) from my vacation has given me ideas on what to do! First off would be to stop typing this and place the next chapter eh?... Well your right. No rest for the weary...or me for that matter.