Disclaimer: I don't own Evangelion or GAINAX. But I can gargle 'Fly me to the Moon' with minty mouthwash.^-^
Picking Up The Pieces – Part 5
I'm just a girl with my head screwed on
I'm just a girl with a smoking gun
I got my fingers stung
My fingers stung yea
I'm just a girl with my fingers stung
Bless these bones
Bless this skin
All of me and the mess I'm in
Yea the mess I'm in
But I don't care
Don't know where I've been
But I'll get me there
Eurythmics-Power To The Meek
Misato Kasuragi, the usually good-natured guardian of the Children and indispensable tactical operations chief of Nerv, was for lack of a better word, pissed off. With eyes burning bright and her long dark hair methodically swinging behind her with every stride, no one could call it anything else. The formidable woman fairly crackled with energy as she marched swiftly through the corridors of Central Dogma, the steady clip of her heels marking her passage towards the elevators. When a few straggling personnel turned and saw her coming, they got the hell out of her way. Fast. The Major looked like she could eat Angels for breakfast.
The bastards had lied to her again.
Oh, but wait, this time it was for her own good. Yeah. Right.
Ignoring the nervous glances of passers-by, Misato jabbed the call button of the elevator door savagely. Then she folded her arms and waited, tapping her foot impatiently.
Angry thoughts rumbled through her head like a bitter storm. She should have known better. She had let her guard down and actually began to believe things were going to be okay. Well, perhaps not quite 'okay' but at least after all the trauma they had gone through with the Angel War, it seemed they were finally getting a break. Especially from all the dirty little secrets.
So much for that wishful thinking.
Growling, Misato pounded the green-lit call button without mercy. 'Comeoncomeoncomeon you stupid thing!' This elevator was taking its own damn sweet time. Everything in this place was against her. She hated Nerv.
'So why are you still here?' something deep inside whispered, ' For the Children?'
Yes. Yes that was right. She was here for the Children.
'Not all of them.'
The meaning behind that accusation cut through Misato like a knife. Despite the fact she was not wholly to blame, the guilt insidiously worming its way back into her mind begged to differ. It was not the first time. This unhappy phantom, usually dealt with by drinking liberal amounts of alcohol, was like an old unwanted companion that would never leave her. Not since Second Impact. This was her constant reminder of all those lost chances and regrets, and now although it wasn't truly justified, she had one more name to add to her list of perceived sins. Completely unbidden, her thoughts began to fester with the repetitive litany of her excuses- It wasn't her fault. She didn't know. She was recovering from the shock of Ikari's insane attempt to activate Third Impact. They said she was in Germany, damn it! And she had been too busy with the others. Always too busy.
The metal doors slid open with a small apologetic 'ping' and the troubled Major walked in.
Thankfully, apart from some tinkling background music, it was empty.
Noting that no one else was entering, Misato turned to press the number of the floor she needed to go. However as her finger inched towards the panel, it seemed to hesitate then magically drift across to the Garage Level button at the bottom. Misato stared at the temptation and considered the far more appealing possibility of getting into her car and driving away. Far away. And maybe taking a little time to think things through. Perhaps she could come back later or maybe even deal with it tomorrow. It's not like one more day would make much of a difference anyway.
Appalled, the Major frowned then shook her head at the cowardly train of thought she was entertaining. It seemed Shinji was not the only one to have the monopoly on 'running away' and this was, to be frank, pathetic.
'Some guardian you are.'
With a sudden sharp angry movement, Misato jerked her finger up and pressed down hard enough to hurt. Now that the decision was made she released a repressed grunt and leaned against the wall, unconsciously hugging her arms very close to her body. As the music in the small metal compartment played its cheesy little tune, Misato watched the numbers lazily tick by on the indicator above the doors and calculated the minutes it would take to get to her destination. Nerv, she knew, ran very, very deep. A momentary glance at her watch confirmed it had taken a lot less time than she had initially expected to angrily stride over to the elevators. Judging from the distance, that was almost a record. But it wasn't as impressive as how fast her one-day off had turned to shit.
****
Shinji had just been off the phone to remind her for the umpteenth time that she was to pick him up after his music group outside the school grounds, when she got the call. Although Misato was pleased the boy had obviously changed for the better, his attempts to make his point was really beginning to grate. Just because it sort of slipped her mind the last two Sundays didn't mean she was going senile, as he was oh-so-innocently suggesting. The yellow post-it stuck to her car the next day was just the start of Shinji's helpful campaign of 'little reminders'. Over the course of the week, she had found notes on her jacket, in her boots, on her office door, in amongst her reports, on Maya's clipboard and even at the bottom of her coffee cup. Deciding not to confront him directly, as that would have led to an admission of guilt which she most certainly had no intention of making, Misato instead took it one step further and confiscated all the post-its her authority allowed and made damn sure Shinji couldn't buy more. Thinking that had showed him, she was completely unprepared for the phone calls. He had made about five since yesterday, all very polite and hesitant but still mainly about the same thing. Don't forget to pick him up Sunday. If she didn't know better, she'd swear he was teasing her. But then, when it came to teasing, Shinji had, after all, learned from the best. However, the feeling of pride Misato secretly harboured wasn't enough to stop her finally reaching her boiling point. It was time to nip this game in the bud. So it was understandable that when the phone rang again, she grabbed it, glared at the receiver with a mad little twinkle in her eye, took a deep breath and screamed-"AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!"
Thankfully the commander on the other end was not Gendo.
Stuttering her apologises and inwardly throttling a grinning Third Child, Misato didn't hesitate to wonder why she had been ordered to report to the commander's office. Completely on autopilot, she just threw herself out of bed, cancelled that nice long hot bath she had promised herself and started getting ready. A quick hop, skip and jump through her usual morning routine and Misato was speeding towards the Geo-Front faster than she could say 'Yebisu'. Which was about as close as she'd get to her lovely beer since she had lost Maya's stupid bet and had to swear off it for a month. On reflection, she should never have goaded Rei into that staring match.
When the Major finally arrived, she briefly caught herself expecting to walk into a dark gloomy room. Like everything else since the incident, it was still taking her some time to get used to the changes. That, and the fact someone had actually turned on the lights. The place looked warmer with the benefit of this new soft glow. There was no brooding oppressive atmosphere. No cold interrogative spotlight. The room was less sombre and a lot more welcoming. Of course, the ridiculously huge desk was still there, but that had been moved to lie across the far wall and now made a pretty good display table for a variety of interesting ornaments. It was apparent that the new commander preferred a more humble old-fashioned type of furniture. He also had a passion for books, many of which lined the walls behind him and managed to give the distinct impression of a small invading library. Overall this was a far cry from the barren spartan office of the past and it certainly seemed to suit the quiet academic man. Misato noted that Fuyutsuki kept the chair though. Considering all the standing around he used to do, she guessed he had always wanted that chair. Another change, which was hard to ignore, was the sinister diagram of the Tree of Life was gone. This would have been fine, except for the fact it was now replaced with some kind of huge broken mask with seven eyes. The same mask the white giant on the cross used to wear and the only thing that was left after it disappeared. Misato was told it had dissolved into LCL during the failed attempt at Third Impact, but no one really understood why. As far as Katsuragi was concerned, she was just glad it was gone. To her, that was truly the last of the Angels and the last of her demons. She still didn't like that mask though. The way those wide staring eyes gazed down from the ceiling gave her the creeps. It was like they followed you around the room. Watching. She honestly wondered how the commander could stand it.
The man in question was sitting behind his desk busily immersed in paperwork, when she walked in. He looked stern as he concentrated and Misato worried if she had done anything wrong. She wracked her memory and could think of nothing. Well…except maybe for those boxes of post-its she 'acquisitioned' the other day. But she was intending to return them. At least so she could get back into her damn office. The stupid things had taken all the space up!
Fully aware he now had company, Fuyutsuki glanced up from his thick open folder and gave his visitor a small terse smile. "Thank you for coming so quickly, Major Katsuragi. I understand this was your time off."
Misato stood at full military attention, suddenly very glad that she had decided to dress in her rank uniform rather than give into the temptation of civvies. "Not a problem, sir."
"At ease, Major." Kouzou proffered a hand, indicating one of two chairs before her. "Please. Take a seat. We are just waiting for Doctor Akagi to arrive."
"Thank you, sir." Although this was now a common courtesy, it still felt strange sitting down in the commander's office. In the past, the only one who had done the sitting was Gendo, and even then he still some how managed to make you feel small. It seemed Fuyutsuki wasn't too bothered with that approach. Either that, or he simply didn't want to develop a crick in his neck. As she settled, Misato noticed the absence of the sub-commander. David Molinari was another completely new addition to Nerv and Misato wasn't sure what to make of him. The African-American seemed to be a soft-spoken thoughtful man, someone who obviously read up on his Japanese culture and appreciated the experiences that came from adjusting to being in a new country. Yet there was a certain something she couldn't quite put her finger on. He also seemed…distant. Like he was merely going through the motions. He was very good at his job though. The little incident where he took immediate control over negotiations involving a brief terrorist hostage situation at the JSSDF camp, demonstrated an accomplished tactical mind. There was clearly more to Molinari than met the eye.
That had happened a mere week after he had been introduced to Nerv. The increase of terrorist activity was hardly surprising. They lived in worrying times and incredible as it was for Misato to believe, not everyone was convinced that the Angels had been the enemy. Some people actually insisted it was Nerv who was wrong and not the immense beings they once desperately fought against. These people tended to get rather passionate about their beliefs. During the Angel War, Gendo had kept these 'objectors' under his firm thumb and the few that foolishly tried to cross his line were mercilessly dealt with. But now that it was all finished, the objectors were starting to emerge from whatever rock they had crawled under. Complete, of course, with justified righteous fury since the Angels had lost. Katsuragi briefly considered that this might be the reason she was called. The Children would make excellent targets.
While Misato mulled this unpleasant thought over, Fuyutsuki returned to writing in his folder.
"I trust the Open Policy arrangement with the pilots is going well?" he asked whilst scribbling down some notes.
The Major jerked slightly in surprise. Ikari usually left you stewing in an uncomfortable silence until the itch to scream "I'm right here!" and wave your hands in front of his face became an almost over powering urge. She had to keep reminding herself things were different now.
"Oh. Um. Yes sir." she replied after a slight stutter. "Both Rei and Shinji have adapted to the program. In fact I'd say they've excelled beyond the program's expectations."
The Commander nodded, never taking his eyes away from his work. Misato suspected that he already knew about the Children's tests and this was just merely talking shop. The old man was being a lot more gracious than his predecessor. Still, now that she thought about it, she did wonder about those results. It was both encouraging and very disconcerting. Especially when one considered that aside from Unit 02, the rest were now barren entities. Soulless golems. And yet they still moved.
Fuyutsuki turned a page.
"And the completion of the Geo-Front construction?"
Misato watched his pen weave across the open folder and wondered what he was working on.
"Less than a month at best."
"Glad to hear it." the Commander commented with a touch of relief Misato could relate with. She was not the only one sick of all the banging and drilling in the place. No matter how good the help was with the Evas, they were still at the mercy of many electricians and tech restoration workers. At least their security hadn't been compromised. It seemed the JSSDF were good for something, other than getting in her way of course.
"And how are the Children at home? Are they settling in?"
Katsuragi inwardly groaned. He asked this every time he saw her. "Everything's fine, sir."
Suddenly Fuyutsuki's pen froze.
"Really? You sounded otherwise on the phone."
A little thrown by the change in the routine, Misato blinked then blushed a little. She should have known better than to hope he was going to let that slide. "Ahhh…er…"
"Anything you wish to tell me, Major?" Fuyutsuki regarded the woman with an expression that made her feel like squirming in her seat. "Oh, that was nothing serious, sir. Really." She nervously scratched the back of her head and mumbled. "Shinji's just been teasing me a little, that's all."
The Commander raised a grey eyebrow. That was news to him. "May I ask in what way?"
It took around five minutes to fully explain the situation but by the end of it Fuyutsuki's shoulders were shaking with barely repressed amusement.
"Ah. I see." he murmured, returning to his writing. "It seems boys will be boys after all."
'A royal pain in the ass, more like.' Misato thought. Then she grinned. 'Aw, who am I trying to kid?'
Abruptly, her train of thought was interrupted by the swish of the automatic door and the steady thump of someone limping into the room. Both occupants paused and turned their heads slightly to watch a dark haired lady slowly make her way towards the commander's desk. Despite being forced to use crutches, she somehow still managed to look poised and professional.
"Sorry I'm late," Ritsuko said, inching closer to the empty seat left for her. "The synch tests took a little longer than I expected."
Aware of the difficulties of her injury, Misato shifted so the other woman could lower herself into the chair with more ease. She knew from experience that crutches were not the most flexible of things. While Akagi settled, the Commander used the opportunity to tidy up. "That's understandable, Doctor." he replied, closing his mysterious folder and tucking it away in a drawer. "And how were they?" He laced his hands together in a polite attentive manner.
Ritsuko wiped the sweat from her forehead, brushing her dark brown fringe and leaned her crutches against the desk. "Well, the ratio for Rei could do with a lot more improvement," she stated with a sigh. "She's not even scratched her old optimum record." The doctor dug into her lab coat pockets and brought out a battered packet of cigarettes. "We're going to have to run some more start-up tests in a few hours just to be sure."
Misato's ears pricked at the sound of that. Although she was glad her friend had survived being shot and was seemingly on the mend, Katsuragi still trusted Ritsuko Akagi, blonde or not, about as far as she could throw her. Which in itself was very tempting sometimes, especially when it concerned one of her 'kids'. After that very revealing incident in the clone chamber they once shared, Misato doubted anyone could blame her. "But I thought everything checked out." she queried in what she hoped was a nonchalant manner. "Was I wrong?"
"May I?" the doctor asked the Commander, indicating the cigarette and now a lighter poised between her fingers. Although he frowned, Fuyutsuki slid a glass ashtray towards her as his reply.
Ritsuko gratefully lit up and took a long deep lungful of smoke before addressing Misato. "Oh, don't worry, it did." she waved a dismissive hand. "We just want to determine if this is a case of pilot readjustment or a system configuration. You know yourself how twitchy Unit 00 can be."
The Major gave a slight nod of agreement, recalling the last time Unit 00 started acting up. It nearly tore half the cage apart. A cold shudder ran down her spine. Yeah, that was some 'twitch'. At least nothing like that had happened with the newly rebuilt version of the Eva. Well, at least not yet.
Still. She had to ask. "What does Rei think about this?"
Ritsuko narrowed her eyes, but kept her peace. She had a lot worse to endure than her friend's sadly misguided delusion that they all still had a choice. "As I believe we have already discussed Major," she flicked ash into the ashtray, "Pilot Ayanami is fully aware of the importance of this matter and is happy to assist us in these tests." Her clipped response was like a textbook statement. One she found herself using a lot with the tactical operations chief these days. The end of her cigarette burned red as she briefly sucked for more nicotine.
Unsurprisingly, Misato did not look convinced.
"And what about the Third Child?" asked Fuyutsuki, noting, not for the first time, the slight tension between the two women but dismissing it for now. "Does he also require further testing?"
"Oh, there's no need." the Doctor replied in a lighter tone. "He's doing just fine. In fact Shinji's increased by 4% since last week."
"Really?" exclaimed Misato. Despite her initial disapproval, she still couldn't keep the squeak of enthusiasm from her voice.
Ritsuko's lips curled into a tiny smile. "Yes. Quite impressive. I'd say he's had a bit of a confidence boost. It certainly shows in his ratio readings."
'Yeah,' thought Misato, reminding herself not to kill Shinji for his teasing after all. 'I just bet it does.'
"That's good to hear, Doctor." commented Fuyutsuki approvingly. "Then I take it we are running on schedule?"
"Absolutely, sir." Then she paused, flicked more ash into the ashtray, and then ploughed on. "But there is still that concern about the Second Child."
There was a sharp intake of breath at the mention of the name.
"Do you mean…Asuka?"
The Commander leaned forward on his desk and pointedly ignored the surprised expression on Misato's face. "It is actually the subject of Ms Sohryu I called you here to speak to you about, Major."
Misato blinked, trying to process this unexpected turn of events. "Sir?"
"She's awake now." Ritsuko supplied softly. "She's no longer catatonic."
Although the Doctor looked sombre, as if she was telling them bad news, Misato was too preoccupied with one thought to notice.
'Asuka's awake?'
Suddenly the Major's face split into a huge grin. "That's great!" she exclaimed, bursting into life. "When did it happen? Was it today?"
'Wait till I tell Shinji!'
"No." replied Fuyutsuki flatly. "It was fourteen days ago."
Misato's grin froze. "What?"
"Actually," corrected the Doctor, "To be more precise, it was two weeks, six days and fifteen hours since patient Sohryu's awakening. Give or take a few variables."
Misato stared at Ritsuko, not appreciating that particular update. "What do you mean two weeks ago?" she repeated stiffly.
"Exactly that." replied the brunette calmly. "She's up now and off the life support." Then she added quietly. "We been treating her in a special isolated medical room situated in the Cranial Ward here at Nerv."
The Major's eyes widened. "Then, she's back from Germany?" This was one bombshell after another.
Shifting in her chair a little uneasily, Ritsuko shook her head. "Not quite."
"Not quite?" hissed Misato, clearly unhappy. She was about a second away from grabbing her ex-roommate.
"What Doctor Akagi means, is that Ms Sohryu was never actually 'away' in order for her to come 'back' in the first place." the Commander interjected with cold authority, "Contrary to what you believe, Asuka Langley Sohryu never went to Germany, Major."
If Misato seemed liked she was surprised before, she now looked like she'd just been slapped. With an Eva. However, despite her shock, Fuyutsuki could still see that formidable tactical brain churning behind her eyes, putting two and two together. "But…that's…" She couldn't believe it. "Are you saying that Asuka's been here all along?"
There was an uncomfortable pause before the Commander spoke again.
"Yes."
A muscle on the Major's jaw jumped.
"All this time?"
"All this time."
Kouzou watched the young woman carefully as she digested that piece of news.
"But…but that can't be possible…" she desperately reasoned. "You told me yourself over a month ago that she had been sent back to the Berlin branch." Misato pointed an accusing finger. "You said it was for the best, that she'd be with people who could help her! I even saw her off on the damn plane!"
Fuyutsuki wore an unreadable expression. "That is true, Major." he agreed. "I had every intention to see that Ms Sohryu's treatment was given the highest priority in her home country. However, there had been a change of plans and so the girl was returned and now remains here."
"Then why wasn't I informed about this?" Misato demanded, somehow managing to keep her voice level. "Why didn't anyone tell me about this change of plans?"
"It was out of your jurisdiction, Major and no longer your concern."
Misato clenched her fists, willing herself not to shout at her commanding officer. "But sir, I'm Asuka's appointed guardian. How can you say it doesn't concern me?"
"You are only the guardian of the Children, Major Katsuragi." Fuyutsuki patiently explained. "As Ms Sohryu's pilot status had already been revoked due to her inability to synch with her Eva, she ceased to be the Second Child and thus was no longer a part of your guardianship." Despite the cold-hearted policy he was condoning, the Commander sounded all too reasonable. "It is only because of the intervention of her legal guardians that Ms Sohryu has been allowed to remain in Nerv. She is now under the direct jurisdiction of Doctor Akagi and her medical team."
To her credit, Ritsuko managed not to flinch as Misato bristled beside her. "You knew about this all along, didn't you?"
"Only since my return three weeks ago."
"Then why didn't you come to me when she woke up?" There was a lot of bitter disappointment behind those words. "I would have had at least liked to have known how she was doing."
"I know." Ritsuko admitted. "And I'm sorry, Misato. But I'm afraid that wasn't possible."
The Major grit her teeth, biting back her anger. "Why?"
The brunette frowned, took one last drag from her cigarette then crushed it in the ashtray. "Do you remember the attack of the 15th Angel and how it affected the Second Child?" she offered.
Misato glared back in silence. That burning flash of light and the sound of Asuka screaming over and over again was something she was not liable to forget. Ever. Ritsuko swallowed, recalling her own feelings of helplessness and horror on that day. "All right, stupid question." she murmured, and then gathered her thoughts, slipping into lecture mode. "Well, it seems that afterwards we had highly underestimated the extent of the damage its assault had inflicted on Asuka's mind. The post-examination results indicated there would be no residual affect upon her psyche, but we failed to take into account that it may have accelerated a negative condition all ready present in the pilot prior to the attack." She sighed. "One that I'm afraid resulted in the catatonia, among other symptoms."
Misato's brow furrowed, not liking what she was hearing. "Other symptoms?"
Ritsuko rubbed the bridge of her nose in weary agitation. "To be blunt, psychologically speaking, Asuka is not well, Misato. The child is suffering from a complete mental breakdown."
"But you said she was awake."
"That doesn't mean she's better. In fact over the course of the two weeks since she emerged from her catatonic state, she's been far from recovering." There was more than a hint of frustration in the Doctor's voice. "Which was why we deemed it necessary not to inform you until now. How do you think the other children would have reacted if they knew about this? As I understand it, they were in a very precarious mental state themselves up until recently."
The Major was not impressed. "So you kept it a secret from me…from us?"
"Oh, don't be so melodramatic! We are not an organisation of monsters you know!" Ritsuko snapped, a little exasperated. "You would have been informed sooner if you had not already been under more strenuous obligations. Considering the circumstances we just felt it was best to allow you and the other Children time to adjust."
'Yeah, Ritsu.' Misato thought, schooling her features into an empty neutral expression. 'In other words, ignorance was bliss.'
"I see." she replied crisp and even.
'I don't know you people at all.'
Suddenly Misato stood up.
"What are you doing, Major?" Akagi asked in surprise.
"I'm going to see Asuka. That's what this is all about isn't it?"
"Now?" Ritsuko almost spluttered. "But we need to discuss a way of approaching this carefully. You can't just barge in there!"
Misato narrowed her eyes. "Watch me."
The doctor briefly exchanged a beseeching glance at the commander who simply raised an eyebrow. It was her call.
"Well, you won't get far without this." Ritsuko fished out a small black plastic square from her pocket and brandished it like a winning card. "You'll need this. It will give you all the necessary clearance. And I'm not about to give it to you until you've read the medical reports." She pointed to the chair with an air of finality. "So sit back down, Major. We're not finished yet."
Misato however, smiled then lean down very close to Ritsuko until their noses were almost touching. "I have a better idea." she said, soft and dangerously. "Give me the keycard while I'm still asking nicely."
The Doctor met her glare for glare, refusing to be intimidated. "Not until you've read the reports, Misato."
"Give me the keycard, Ritsuko." The Major growled, holding out her hand politely.
"Misato…"
"Give her the keycard, Doctor." Fuyutsuki said, slightly startling both women. It was clear from his loud tone that he had made it a command and not a request. For a moment Ritsuko looked torn, like she was going to say something, but the grim expression on the man made her think twice.
"Fine." she muttered in defeat and handed it over.
Misato took the keycard then turned to the Commander. "I'd like to go now to see her, sir. I've heard enough."
Fuyutsuki regarded his subordinate with silent consideration. He would have also preferred it if she had read the reports, it would have helped prepare her. But unlike the good doctor he knew forcing her was not going to do them any favours. It was clear the Major was no longer in the mood to listen. Not that it mattered. They were still getting what their superiors wanted either way. There really wasn't anything else to do, except clarify some facts.
"Understand Major, while I sympathise with you concerning the Children's best interests at heart, I also expect the up most co-operation from those under my command." Fuyutsuki stated firmly. "This was a classified matter. Nothing more. It would do you well to keep that in mind in future."
Misato nodded, indicating her agreement.
"Very well. In this case I see no reason to deny your request. I hope you can help her." he sighed, pleased that she had maintained an adherence to some protocol. At least with him. "Dismissed Major."
With a face set as still as stone, Misato snapped a respectful salute then turned on her heel and marched briskly to the door.
"If you wait, I can escort you there!" Ritsuko called out, hastily wrestling with her crutches and struggling to rise on shaky legs. But Misato was already out the room before the crippled woman could stand.
****
The hum of the elevator was slowing and Misato noted she would be there soon. Absentmindedly, she gazed at the keycard, musing with bitter irony that it had to be black. Just like her overall mood. She should never have left Asuka.
'So why did you?' something inside hissed back.
Misato closed her eyes, frowning at her thoughts. That really was the last thing she wanted to think about right now.
'Coward.' her guilt sneered. And it was right.
Before she could dwell on it, the elevator shuddered to a stop and the metal doors slowly slid opened. Almost immediately the bitter tang of strong lemon disinfectant and sour chemicals assailed her nostrils, making her wince. God, she hated hospitals. Misato clutched the piece of black plastic hard, gathering her resolve. More than anything now, Asuka needed her. She didn't know what Nerv were playing at pulling this cloak and dagger shit, but right at this moment she didn't really care. She had more pressing priorities and for what it was worth, she was here now. It was time to get to the bottom of this.
With a deep breath, the Major stepped out the elevator and walked into the stark whiteness of the Nerv Cranial Ward.
****
Although it was a given fact that during the Angel War a great deal of damage had been inflicted upon the land, the records would no doubt also add even though it was most disturbing, it was not all together unexpected. When giant god like titanic monsters started dropping down into your neighbourhood on a regular basis, it really should come as no surprise to anyone you were going to end up redrawing the map. So with that in mind, it was a minor miracle that amongst this entire world shattering destruction, explosions and mighty battles, a small insignificant patch of green earth somehow managed to remain safe and completely untouched. However, it was nothing short of bloody amazing that the watermelons growing in this little garden were not even bruised and were also quite happily flourishing under the tender care of two Evangelion pilots. Well…one anyway. The other wouldn't have been able to grow as much of a bean sprout to save himself let alone a watermelon. Not for lack of trying of course.
The pale girl watched her companion enthusiastically water his little plot of seedlings with slightly anxious crimson eyes. They had first started meeting here after their Eva duties about five weeks ago and were now its two sole gardeners. Shinji had originally just wanted to show her the place, but somehow it seemed wrong to leave it neglected and so they had decided to carry on the good work. At first she wasn't sure what to feel about doing something she had never done before. But as she tentatively joined in with the digging, she found to her surprise that she was experiencing a strong sense of belonging. After that, it didn't take very long for Rei Ayanami to decide she liked this thing called 'gardening'. Since the watermelons were doing so well, they had agreed to try extending the garden and plant something else. Misato, pleased they had taken up such a responsibility, gave them each a blank packet of seeds she had found lying around somewhere. In her typical carefree fashion, the Major admitted she really didn't know what they were but she figured it might provide an interesting change for them. It also didn't stop her hoping that with any luck it might turn out to be something alcoholic. Although both Children somehow doubted they were going to be growing Yebisu trees, they appreciated the sentiment and happily accepted the challenge. Shinji in particular was very keen to see just what marvels the little seeds were going to reveal. Unfortunately if he kept up the more than liberal sprinkling, the way he was doing now, all he was going to end up with was turgid mud.
Deciding it was her solemn duty not to let that unhappy event happen, Rei reached out and softly touched Shinji's arm. "I think that is sufficient, Ikari."
The boy though, didn't look too convinced. "Are you sure, Rei? Perhaps they need a little more, just in case."
"And perhaps they need a little less." she advised, gently but firmly taking the watering can from his hand. "I do not think your seeds can do the backstroke just yet."
Shinji grinned at the little jab. A month ago and he would have stared in open-mouthed disbelief. Two months ago and he might have fainted. But a lot had happened since then. One of many of them being, somewhere along the line, Rei had developed a sense of humour. Not that she was in the habit of running around cracking jokes or anything like that. But she was most definitely coming out of that shell of hers, at least when she was around him. Rei also happened to be very good at gardening. Far better than him at any rate. He looked at her patch of little green shoots with a touch of awe.
"I guess you know what you're talking about Rei. Yours are looking pretty good."
Rei brushed her hand delicately over the tiny emerging leaves. "The credit is more due to the richness of the soil than what I could achieve." she explained, and then offered him a sympathetic barely perceivable smile. "Do not be discouraged, Ikari. I am sure your seeds will grow soon."
Shinji scratched his head and sighed. "Maybe. But I still reckon you've got a bit of a green thumb for this."
Rei blinked then looked down at her hands with a frown. "But my thumb has no discolouration." she murmured.
The boy chuckled nervously. "No, I mean, um… it's an expression, Rei. It means you're good at gardening and have a knack with plants and stuff."
"Ah." Understanding alighted her face. "I see."
"I think Kaji might have had a green thumb as well." Shinji mused, warming to his theory. "He certainly did a great job before we came here."
"Yes." The girl agreed, and then lapsed back into a quiet mood as she inspected her seedlings. Unlike the old days, this did not cause an awkward feeling for the boy. After everything they had gone through together, they were now both quite comfortable in each other's company.
"Ikari?"
However it was not every day Rei broke their silence first. Shinji turned from his own inspections to face her.
"Yes, Rei?"
"What was Mr Ryoji like?"
Shinji looked a little surprised at the question. "Didn't you ever meet him?" he asked then mentally kicked himself. Of course she hadn't met him. She was the Third Rei. Kaji was long gone before that. "Sorry." he winced.
"No. It is all right." she assured, and then frowned a little. "But yes. Now that I recall, I believe my sister had met him once."
"Really?"
Rei's habit of referring to her other clone's memories as her 'sister' was still a little unnerving for Shinji. But he decided long ago that if she was happy enough to think of herself as an individual with the memories of another girl's life, then he wasn't going to hold it against her. She was still his friend no matter who she really was.
"Yes. It was after my…I mean my sister's Unit 01 cross activation briefing with the commander. She was advised to eat something and so she was sitting alone at the cafeteria when Mr Ryoji addressed her."
Rei cocked her head slightly, her eyes staring blank and unseeing as the event unlocked deep within her mind.
"He sat across from her and attempted conversation." the girl narrated in a flat tone. "He asked her how she was feeling about the test and she told him that the commander and doctor were confident that this activation would be successful. He shook his head and said he had asked how she was feeling, not her superiors. She told him it did not matter how she felt. He smiled then as if he did not believe her and commented that there was someone who might have something very different to say about that. Then he noticed Major Katsuragi and excused himself in a hurried manner. My sister suspected he was interested in pursuing her for some reason. He wished her luck before he left."
Rei remembered his parting words had caused an intense feeling of confusion.
"His words struck my sister as odd and she spent her remaining time wondering who he was referring to. Then she went for her cross activation test and thought no more about it."
The girl blinked as if coming out of a trance. "She never saw Mr Ryoji again."
Shinji felt a slight pang of regret as he listened. He still missed Kaji a lot.
"I guess he was trying to say people cared for you, er…I mean your sister, Rei." he offered. "But had to be careful how to tell her in case Father…well, you know."
It didn't take much of a stretch of her imagination to guess what he meant.
"Yes. I know."
"Anyway, Kaji said the same to me in a way." Shinji admitted, thinking back fondly. "He told me to be strong and face my responsibility. He really helped me when I needed to talk about stuff."
"But what about Ms Katsuragi?" Rei asked. "Did she not also talk to you?"
"Oh, she was great too." Shinji hastily amended. "But she couldn't help me with, um…the other things, Rei."
Rei raised an eyebrow. "Other things?"
The boy could feel his cheeks getting a little hot. "Guy…things."
The girl just stared. "Oh."
"Anyway, to answer your question, he was a good man, Rei. And a good friend." He indicated the watermelons. "And an amazing gardener! Did you know he didn't even stop watering these guys during an Angel attack?"
Rei wasn't sure what to think about that. "That is quite…dedicated."
Shinji nodded his head. "Kaji really loved this garden."
"Then I am glad we can continue to care for it in his memory." Rei said sincerely.
Shinji smiled in agreement, but then it seemed to disappear as his thoughts turned to someone else he also missed. "She never saw it, you know."
"Who?"
"Asuka."
Almost immediately the blur of a shouting red haired girl flashed through Rei's mind. Although she had never met this person, she had a distinct feeling that it would not be pleasant if she did.
"She loved Kaji but she never saw this garden. Not once." Shinji continued softly. "I think that's kind of sad."
"Then we should take her and show her." Rei proposed, putting her own personal misgivings aside. "When she returns." she added reasonably.
"Yeah." Shinji smiled a little wistfully, and then leaned back so he was lying on the grass. "I think she would like that."
The boy stretched and looked up at the sky, obviously deep in thought. Knowing Shinji tended to get slightly melancholic whenever he mention the other pilots, Rei watched for a few moments then copied his movements so she was lying beside him. She would be there for him if he needed her. With the care of the garden momentarily forgotten, the two Children lay side-by-side, basking in the warm summer sun and shared another contented silence together. As time passed, Shinji's eyes grew heavy and the hazy breeze began to make him sleepy. He almost absentmindedly started to drift as he gazed at the clouds and used his finger to draw lazy circles in the air. However just as he was about to close his eyes, he was snapped out of this hypnotic day dreaming by a soft yet incredulous whisper.
"What are you doing Ikari?"
Startled, Shinji glanced to his left to see that Rei was scrutinising him with a very puzzled expression.
"Oh. I was er…drawing a rabbit." he said, and then grimaced at how stupid that must have sounded. Shinji pointed to the sky. "You know, up in the clouds?"
Rei looked at the sky but then back at Shinji still confused.
"Can't you see the shape?" he asked.
The puzzled expression deepened. "I do not think so…"
"Haven't you ever made shapes in the clouds before?"
Rei slowly shook her head.
"Never?" Shinji looked amazed. He thought everyone knew about this one. Rei cast her eyes downwards in a self-conscious manner not sure what to say.
"Er…Would you like me to show you?" the boy offered, hoping he hadn't upset her. "I can if you want."
The girl paused, then nodded and Shinji took that as his cue to hesitantly but gently take her hand in his. The flesh of her palm felt very cool against his skin. "Just point your finger like I was doing. That's it." He moved Rei's hand so it was in front of a certain cloud above her eye line.
"Um, okay. See, there's the ears." Slowly, he guided her finger up and down, tracing the outline of two fluffy like lumps.
"And that's kind of like the body. I guess." The imaginary line now moved carefully around the main mass of white before them.
"And that's definitely a tail." He circled her finger around a blob of cloud perched at the bottom.
Granted although it wasn't really a rabbit and just a suggestion of shape, almost like an abstract illusion, Rei's mouth still dropped open with pure astonishment. It was true. She could see it now. "I…I never knew…" she breathed.
"I used to do this a lot when I was younger. It's kind of like a game." Shinji smiled. "Want to do another one?"
Rei nodded a lot more vigorously than last time. Before he could choose a cloud she was already pointing up at the sky. "What is that one like?"
Shinji squinted. "Hmmm, that one looks a little like a rhino. Or it could be a really fat unicorn." He traced the outline as before and Rei gazed at it with open wonder.
"And this one?" She quickly pointed to something else.
"Oh, that's got a fin so it has to be a really big fish. Maybe a whale?" Shinji suggested, enjoying the obvious enthusiasm radiating from his quiet friend. They should play this game more often.
"And this?"
"Hey, that's a lot like a cello or…WAITAMINUTE!"
Abruptly Shinji sat up breaking their contact and slapped his forehead as one thought seared into his brain.
'Music group!'
He looked at his watch with alarm. "AH! Only ten minutes! Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
The girl propped herself with her elbows and watched curiously as he scrabbled to his feet and quickly dusted himself down.
"Rei, I'm really sorry, but I've got to go!"
Suddenly the flurry of activity made sense. "Of course. Today is Sunday." she murmured. "I apologise, Ikari. I should have remembered…"
"No, don't worry about it Rei. It's not your fault." Shinji hastily looked around himself and patted his pockets to see he had everything. "Will you be okay here?"
"Yes, I will be fine."
"Okay then, sorry, but I've really got to go now!" Shinji waved then rushed off with a burst of speed. "Bye, see you later back at the flat!"
"Take care, Ikari." Rei waved back and watched as he ran pell-mell down the steep grassy hill. She waited until she could no longer see the tiny white dot of his shirt bobbing in the distance before lying back down.
Ominously, several thick grey tendrils had appeared and were now trailing across the sky. Rei shivered as the light of the day, once so bright and agreeable, quickly turned darker, casting the land below in cold shadow. A strong wind ruffled the girl's hair as she sat up, staring at this sudden change in the weather with suspicion. There was something wrong here. With a sense of prickling unease, Rei slowly turned around. Then her eyes widened with crimson shock.
There was a face within the clouds.
However, unlike the mere suggestion of a shape, this face was fully formed, massive and staring right back at her with its own inhuman eyes. All seven of them. Suddenly something moist hit Rei's forehead and forced her to blink. It was only less than a second, but when she looked again the face was gone. With a kind of single-minded intensity she had rarely felt before, Rei leapt to her feet and scanned the unfriendly sky. But despite her efforts there was nothing left to see except an endless slate of grey. There wasn't even an outline to trace. While she searched, more and more droplets fell from the heavens and began to pit pat on the ground, rapidly soaking the grass beneath her feet.
"It looks like…like rain." she whispered, feeling the icy wetness sting against her skin and damping the cotton of her school uniform.
But rather than run for cover, Rei stayed standing in the garden and kept watching the sky.
****
Author's Mad Ramblings- OMG!!! It's Chapter 5 at last!!! *sob* I'm so happy I could cry. ;_;
Now that took a big ass long time!!!
Bad chapter 5!
No biscuit for you!
*slap*
I need to lie down now before the shock of finally finishing this thing KILLS me.
Chapter 6 will reveal just what the hell's going on with Asuka, Ritsuko begs and Shinji's gonna get wet. Really, really wet.
*thud* x_x
