Author's note -
Well, here's chapter four, which takes the place of episodes nineteen and twenty. Sorry it took so long, but I hoped it was worth it. Damn, but this was a hard one to write!
I'll try to get the next chapter out quicker, as I know exactly what I've got planned. (Not that that means much! One of the scenes in this one ended up different than I planned. But it did turn out better than I thought it would.)
Disclaimer -
All the characters contained in this story are copyright GAINAX, Project EVA, Movic, and any other company and/or division associated with the creation and/or production of Neon Genesis Evangelion. A.D.Vision holds the copyrights to the translated version of Neon Genesis Evangelion. All characters are used WITHOUT the permission of the aforementioned institutions.
=================================================================================================
IMPACT
A sequel to "A Question Of..."
By Room3
Chapter 04 - "Heresy"
"Major Katsuragi, do you believe the pilots of Unit's 01 and 02 acted correctly?" the commander asked. He was sat behind his desk, chin resting on his hands in his usual manner.
"After reading the reports submitted thus far, I believe they did, sir," Misato answered. "A friend was in trouble, and they did all they could to help." She did her best not to sway as she stood in Ikari's office, in front of his desk. Damn, she thought, I wish he'd increase the lighting.
"Despite the fact that they disobeyed a direct order?" Fuyutski asked from his position behind the commander. "Several orders, in fact."
"They did what they thought was best," the major replied. She resisted the compunction to scratch her right arm, as the plaster would prevent her from reaching the itch.
"I see," Gendo responded. From everything she had gathered in the past day, the commander was most displeased with the turn of events that lead to the destruction of Unit 03. "So you would be opposed to any disciplinary action taken against them."
"That would depend, sir," Katsuragi told him.
"On what?" the commander asked, curious.
"On the severity of the proposed action," Misato replied. "Through their actions, they saved a life. The life of a fellow pilot." She paused for a moment to consider her next words. "They should be reprimanded sir, but it should also go on record that their actions were for the best."
"I agree with you, Major," Fuyutski surprised her by saying. "The reprimand would demonstrate the importance of discipline, while the record would show that they acted correctly, according to the situation."
"Hmm. You may be correct," Ikari said thoughtfully. He looked up at the major. "You are dismissed Major Katsuragi."
"Yes sir," Misato responded and left the dark office. The commander of Nerv watched her leave and then stood up and looked out of the window behind him, catching Fuyutski by surprise.
"Have the remains of the Angel been recovered?" he asked.
"Not as yet," Kouzou related, "but Dr. Akagi is handling the operation, so it shouldn't take more than another day or so."
"Good. Have her run a complete analysis of all the components that are recovered," Gendo ordered.
"Why?" Fuyutski asked, looking at the man stood next to him.
"I have an idea," was all the commander would say.
--------------
"This is by special permission," Toji heard a female voice say as he regained consciousness. "You've got exactly five minutes."
"Thank you," he heard another female voice say, this one sounded younger, and familiar. He opened his eyes and, after he'd managed to make them focus, he looked to his right. To his surprise he found Hikari Horaki sat on a stool next to his bed.
"Hey, it's the class rep," he said, trying to sound his usual cheerful self, but he failed, he was just too tired.
"Suzuhara, how are you feeling?" she asked, relieved he was awake.
"Lousy," he told her. "But at least I'm still alive." Hikari sighed. "I wonder... How long was I out for...this time?" he muttered.
"I was told you've been out for almost a day and a half," the class rep replied.
"I was? A day and a half?!" He looked at her and smiled. "Did you...?"
"Uh... No! I've only been here a little while. They wouldn't let me," she told him, looking flustered and blushing slightly. She looked away. "I...I mean...I came as the class representative you know."
"Of course," he replied, turning his head so he was facing away from her. "I knew that." For some strange reason, he felt disappointed.
"Do you really?" she whispered, looking at the end of the bed.
"I'm sorry," he said, startling her. "I didn't get to eat the lunch you made."
"Don't worry about it," she told him, looking back at him. "It's all right. I just wish I could bring you lunch here, but...it's not allowed." Toji sighed. He was about to say something when the door opened. He looked over to see Shinji and Asuka walk through it.
"Oh, hey guys!" he said in greeting.
"Told you there was someone in here," Asuka said triumphantly to Shinji. The third-child ignored the tone of her voice and looked at his friend.
"How are you Toji?" he asked.
"Been better," Suzuhara. He sighed. "Class rep, could you do me a favour?" he asked, looking back at Hikari.
"Sure," she replied, smiling.
"Would you tell my sister...that there's nothing wrong with me," he told her. "Katsuragi told me she's just down the hall."
"No problem," the class rep replied, standing up. "Bye," she said, sliding close the door behind her.
"Are you in any pain?" Asuka asked, sitting on the now vacant stool.
"Not really," Toji answered. "But I feel so light-headed and weak, probably from all the painkillers they've got me on."
"I'm sorry Toji. It's my fault you're in here," Shinji told him, hanging his head. He was stood behind the German.
"No it's not Shinji," Suzuhara replied. "Misato told me what happened. I owe you guys my life. Thanks."
"For what?" the redhead asked, surprised.
"For standing up to Commander Ikari like that. If it hadn't been for you disobeying him like you did, I doubt I'd be alive now." He looked closely at Shinji's face and couldn't help but see the fear in it. The fear that he, Shinji, was to blame. "I hope you guys don't get into too much trouble for that."
"Doesn't matter," Asuka surprised Toji by saying. "We did what was right. That's what's important." Suzuhara closed his eyes and allowed his head to rest against the pillow. Shinji reached forward and squeezed the German's shoulder.
"We better be going Asuka," he said softly, leaning forward so his mouth was level with her ear. "He needs his rest." The second-child reached up and rested her hand on his.
"You're right," she replied, just as softly as he did. She stood up and looked at the boy in the bed. "Well, we gotta be going Toji," she said, louder. "Bye."
"Huh," Toji murmured, opening his eyes to see the two pilots leave the room. "I guess they'll be back," he muttered. "So tired," he added, closing his eyes once more and allowing sleep to claim him.
--------------
As the two pilots walked along the corridor, Asuka couldn't help but feel Shinji's worry. Despite what Toji had said to the third-child, he was going to insist on blaming himself for what had happened to his friend.
"He's right, you know," the redhead said softly after a few moments silence. "It's not your fault. And if you hadn't stood up to your father like that, it would've been a lot worse for him."
Shinji stopped dead and looked at her. It took the girl a moment to realise he'd ceased moving and when she did, she looked back at him. It seemed to her that he was fighting something within himself, the expression on his face revealing the turmoil within. They locked eyes. A few moments later, Shinji sighed heavily and began walking again.
"My father," he murmured as they waited for one of the elevators less than a minute later. Asuka looked at him, worried about what he was thinking.
"What about him?" she asked as the lift's doors opened. He stepped inside before answering.
"He...he wanted me to...to..." he stuttered. The lift door closed and he reached for her. "Oh God, he...he..." he continued, resting his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him, one hand on his back and the other on the back of his head.
"Shh! It's all right. Just let it out," she told him softly. She felt more than heard him begin to cry, his tears wetting her neck as they rolled off his face. The German knew he'd been holding something back since the incident, and she knew it would be good for him to let it out, but she also knew they'd have a tough time explaining their positions if they were found like this. But just then, as the boy she loved cried into her neck, she really didn't care who saw them. He needed her. That was all that mattered.
Just as the boy pulled away, the elevator stopped as they reached their destination. He wiped the last few tears from his eyes, feeling more at peace than he had for sometime.
"Thank you," he said softly as the doors slid open. The young couple stepped out of the lift and headed for the exit. Although neither spoke on the journey home, the bond between them had strengthened and their love for one another had grown deeper during that short time. Asuka had marvelled at his willingness to show her his vulnerability, and Shinji had been surprised, and gladdened, when she had not only allowed him to be vulnerable, but had helped him through it as well.
--------------
"You wanted to see me, Commander?" Ritsuko asked as she entered Ikari's office. Despite getting a good night's sleep, she was still tired from her exertions the day before.
"Indeed," Gendo said, not bothering to look at her. "Is the recovery operation complete?" he asked.
"Yes sir. We've recovered in excess of eighty percent of Unit 03," the doctor replied. "The rest was beyond any form of analysis and was destroyed."
"Good. How long do you perceive the analysis of the remains will take?" Ikari asked.
"A thorough analysis could take in excess of two months, sir," Akagi replied. "If there was something specific you wanted to know, it would probably be done much faster."
"There was, but that can wait," the commander said, standing up and looking out the window behind him. Ritsuko remained in front of his desk. "Have you had a chance to go over the fourth-child's medical report yet?" he asked, without looking back at her.
"Yes sir. The majority of his injuries would seem to have been caused by the events that followed the removal of the entry plug. However, the nerve damage is probably the result of attempting to synchronise with the infested Eva," Akagi replied. She paused to allow him to assimilate the information.
"Will he recover completely?" Ikari asked dispassionately. To the doctor, it sounded like he really didn't care one way or another; and he probably didn't.
"I cannot say for certain at this time," the blonde-haired lady replied. "He may regain complete use of his leg, but he may not."
"I see," Gendo responded. "So he is no longer viable as the fourth?" he asked. It was obvious to Akagi that that was his only concern.
"No sir."
"Very well. Have all of his data erased," the commander ordered. "As soon as it is possible, have him transferred to the civilian hospital."
"And his sister?" Ritsuko asked.
"Leave her where she is, for now," he replied. "That was after all part of our agreement." Ritsuko was certain the commander planned to use her to keep the boy silent on any classified material he had had access to.
"Yes sir," she replied automatically. "Will he have access to her?"
"Of course," Gendo told her. "We wouldn't want to appear to be hiding anything, now would we?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at her.
"Understood."
"Now, back to the Angel's remains," he said, returning to his seat. "There was something very specific I wished for you to look for."
--------------
"So, another Eva has been lost?" Chairman Keele asked. His voice echoed through the dark chamber, and his tone made his displeasure clear. The other four members of the meeting looked as unhappy as the chairman sounded.
"Correct," Commander Ikari replied calmly. "Evangelion Unit 03 was destroyed. As it had been taken over by the thirteenth Angel, there was no other option."
"I understand you had some discipline troubles during the battle," Yellow remarked. His posture appeared casual, but Ikari could feel his distaste for him.
"The pilots of Units 01 and 02 chose to disregard my orders," Gendo told him. "They viewed the safety of the pilot of Unit 03 as a priority. I did not."
"Still, to have two pilots disobeying your commands is not a matter to be ignored," Blue commented, his forearms crossed as they rested on the table.
"They have received the relevant punishment for their insurgence," Ikari informed the committee. "It will not happen again."
"See that it doesn't Ikari," Red told him, his arms crossed. "We cannot allow the pilots to do as they wish. It could jeopardise everything we've worked for."
"I understand," the commander replied.
"That will be all," Keele said. The lights illuminating members of the committee disappeared, leaving Gendo alone in the darkness.
--------------
"How are you feeling Rei?" Misato asked the blue-haired first-child. The major had been looking for her, concerned for her well being after hearing that she had been injured during the last battle. She finally found her in the cage where Unit 00 was being repaired. As was usual, she was wearing her school uniform. The three children had been called in for a synch-test, which would be starting within the hour.
"I will be fine," Ayanami replied softly. The bandage on her right forearm was clearly visible; the one on her left shoulder was hidden under her blouse. She looked at the major. "How is Suzuhara?"
"Not too good," Katsuragi told her, looking at the girl. The major had been caught off-guard by her question. "He suffered some nerve damage to his left leg. They're not sure how extensive though."
"Will he recover?" Rei enquired.
"I wish I knew," the major sighed.
"I see," the first-child replied and returned her attention to her Eva. "I must prepare for the harmonics test," she added and walked away, leaving Misato alone with her thoughts.
--------------
"Again?" Makato asked Ibuki. The three technicians had been discussing the last battle and Maya had mentioned how her nights had been filled with the images that had assaulted her during the incident.
"Yes," she sighed, swivelling around in her chair to face the bespectacled technician. "I dreamt about it again last night." She shook her head, as the image of Evangelion Unit 01 gutting the thirteenth Angel appeared in her mind. "I just can't believe it."
"I know how you feel," Makato told softly. "I still find it had to believe." He shook his head in disbelief. "I didn't think Shinji was capable of anything like that."
"Guess we don't know him as well as we thought," Shigeru commented, looking away from his console.
"I wonder how Major Katsuragi feels about it?" Hyugo mused. The longhaired technician looked at his colleague and smiled to himself.
"I just want to know what caused Shinji to react like that," Lieutenant Ibuki related. Before either of the others could respond, emergency sirens began to sound. The three quickly returned their attention to their respective consoles.
"Dammit! Not another one!" Makato cried as he interpreted the data that his display showed him.
"All personnel go to first stage battle stations," a voice announced over the base intercom system. "Prepare for ground-to-air intercept." Commander's Ikari and Fuyutski entered the command centre and took their usual positions.
"What's the target's status?" Fuyutski asked.
"It's broken through our perimeter," Shigeru Aoba informed his superior. "The Komagatake Defence Line has been shattered."
--------------
Above ground, a desperate battle was being waged as the UN forces present attempted to halt the progress of the Angel. It was floating high above the surface of the city, being struck by missiles from all sides. Despite the fact that its AT Field was inactive, the impacts from the weapons were having no effect.
Its skull-like face stared intently at the ground and its eyes flared. There was an explosion at the point it had been staring at, and the residual energy from the blast took the shape of a cross, rising higher than any building in the city.
--------------
"The first eighteen layers of armour have been breached!?" someone yelled as the damage from the explosion was identified by the Magi.
"I don't believe it," Makato responded. "Eighteen layers destroyed in one shot!" Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi ran into the room from the door behind him. They stopped a short distance behind him.
"The Eva's can't deploy fast enough to intercept up top," Misato said. "Pilot status?" she asked, looking at Maya.
"Shinji and Asuka are entering their entry plugs," Ibuki replied.
"What's the status of Unit 00?" the major asked.
"Unit 00 is in the AT Field Neutralisation Zone," the lieutenant answered.
"But the left arm still hasn't been regenerated," Ritsuko added, looking at her friend.
"Then it's not ready for combat yet," the major muttered, head down as she mulled over her options. She looked up again. "Position Unit 02 for combat inside the Geo Front, directly in front of headquarters."
"Launching Unit 02," Makato announced as the red Evangelion was propelled towards the surface.
"Asuka, you're the best marksmen we've got," Misato told the redhead over the radio. "I want you to snipe the Angel as soon as it breaches through the Geo Front."
"Got it," Asuka's voice responded.
"What about me?" Shinji's voice asked over the intercom.
"Shinji, you're her back up," Katsuragi replied.
"Understood," the third-child said.
"Launch Unit 01," the major ordered.
--------------
Even as Major Katsuragi gave her orders and prepared their defence, the Angel continued its assault as it floated even higher than before. It had already dispatched the military vehicles that had attempted to impede its progress. Again its eyes flared. This time, four explosions occurred throughout the city.
--------------
"One more hit and the armour will be completely destroyed!" Shigeru yelled over his shoulder.
"Dammit," Misato cursed. "Eva status?"
"Units 02 and 01 are in position," Makato informed her.
--------------
"Here it comes," Asuka muttered as she watched the armour above her explode. Unit 02 held a pallet rifle in its hands, and the ground around her was littered with otheer weapons, ready for use. "Get ready," she said to Shinji over the radio. His response was merely a grunt as the boy mentally prepared himself. Unit 01 was less than twenty metres from the red Eva. The Angel began it's descent. It floated slowly down into the hollow beneath the armour plating.
Damn but that things ugly, the German thought. It had a vaguely humanoid shape and was mostly black and white, with orange patches at the hip and armpit positions. Its arms appeared to be folded up and tucked against its shoulders. That must be its core, she thought as she spotted a red globe halfway down its torso. Its face appeared to be nothing more than a hideous skull.
The moment the Angel was in the clear, Asuka began firing. The bullets found their mark, but had no effect. As soon as the rifle ran out of ammunition, she threw it to the floor and grabbed two more.
"I'm neutralising its AT Field aren't I?" the second-child asked, her worry colouring her voice as she continued to fire. "Why won't you collapse, damn you!" she yelled at it as she grabbed a pair of bazookas.
"Try to stay calm," Shinji told her over the radio. The German took a deep breath and began firing both weapons simultaneously. The shells hit the Angel, but did no damage to it. The redhead watched in surprise as the Angel unfolded its arms, which appeared to be made of nothing more than paper. Before either pilot could react, the Angel flung its arms forward. Asuka felt a searing pain in both her shoulders and screamed in agony.
Shinji could only watch in horror as the Angels arms sliced through Unit 02's shoulders. The Eva's arms flew away as the Angel began to retract its arms. A loud splash made it plain that one of the arms had landed into the lake beside headquarters. The third-child stared at the Angel for a moment, then his rage claimed him and he charged at it.
The Angel watched as the purple machine began to run towards it. Its eyes flared and the Eva was flung backwards, its chest smoking.
--------------
"Shinji! What's his status?" Misato asked as she watched Unit 01 hit the ground.
"He's unconscious," Makato told her, checking his console, "but he appears to be unhurt."
--------------
"Shinji," Asuka murmured as she watched his Eva for signs of movement. She turned to the Angel. "Sweinhund!" she screamed and ran at it.
--------------
"Asuka, no!" Misato cried as she watched the red Eva charge towards the Angel. "Disengage her nerve connections now!" she ordered. As Shigeru began type the relevant command, the Angel's left arm shot forward. Misato could only gasp it horror as the arm sliced through the Eva's neck, severing its head. "Asuka! Is she?"
"She's alive," Makato informed her. "The Angel has started moving again."
"Send Rei out in Unit 00," Commander Ikari ordered. The major and Ritsuko looked at him.
"But Unit 00 isn't ready!" Misato told him.
"Not a problem," Rei informed the major over the intercom. "I can go. If I die, I can be replaced."
--------------
Rei stared at the display of her cockpit as Unit 00 rose from the ground and the Angel came into view. She tightened her grasp on the object under her arm and began crossing the short distance between her and the enemy.
--------------
"Major, Unit 00's not carrying a rifle," Shigeru announced, checking the data he was receiving.
"What?!" Misato asked, looking over his shoulder. She looked at the main display. "Then what the hell is she carrying?" The display zoomed in on the Eva.
"That's an N2 mine!" Ritsuko cried, recognising the grey cylinder the first-child was carrying. The major looked on in shock.
"REI!" Commander Ikari shouted, his voice sounding almost worried.
--------------
The Angel turned to face the Eva and raised its AT Field. Unit 00 collided with the field, and began pushing the mine into it.
"AT Field, full power," Rei muttered, concentrating on using her own field to negate the Angel's. Slowly, the mine distorted the field and then broke through. Rei shoved it at the red globe on the Angel. Just before it impacted, a cover slid over the core. The mine impacted the protective layer and detonated.
--------------
There was silence in command as all present waited for the smoke to clear on the main display. As it did, the Angel was clearly visible, still stood where it had been moments earlier.
"Eject the entry plug," Ritsuko ordered, fearing how the Angel would retaliate.
"We can't!" Ibuki reported, typing furiously on her console. "There's too much interference." The major watched, her heart filled with dread, as the Angel's right arm shot forward, directly into the blue Eva's face.
"Rei!" Misato cried as the arm was retracted and the robot collapsed to the ground, a red liquid pouring from the wound.
"Oh my God," Dr. Akagi muttered.
"Unit 00 has been disabled," Makato reported, his voice filled with the sadness he felt.
"How's the pilot?" Fuyutski asked.
"She's alive," he replied.
"What's the status of Unit 01?" Gendo enquired, getting to his feet.
"It received some minor damage, but is still functional," Shigeru informed his superior. "But the pilot's still unconscious."
"I see," the commander commented. He was silent for a brief moment. "Shut down all Unit 01's synchronisation circuits immediately," he ordered. "Switch all control to the dummy plug system."
"But Commander, the dummy plug isn't ready yet," Dr. Akagi told him in objection. Ikari fixed her with a look that could have melted steel.
"There's no other alternative," he replied calmly. The command centre shook as the Angel unleashed another blast, this one directly at headquarters.
"Another hit like that and all the armour will be destroyed," Shigeru announced.
"Do it!" Gendo ordered. Ritsuko looked at him for a moment.
"Yes sir," she said. She turned to Maya. "Initiate the dummy system start up," the blonde-haired doctor ordered.
"But, ma'am..." Ibuki started, but the look in Akagi's eyes silenced her. "Yes ma'am." The lieutenant began entering the commands necessary into her console.
"Signal reception is green," Makato informed Dr. Akagi as the feed from the dummy system appeared on his console.
"Control system switching is complete," Maya announced. "All nerves are now linked to the dummy system."
"Engage the system," Ikari ordered, sitting back down. "Commence attack run."
--------------
Outside, the eyes of Unit 01 glowed red, and the Eva began to get to its feet. Once upright, it ran a few metres, then leapt towards its target. The Angel, sensing the movement behind itself, turned. Its eyes flared as it attempted shoot the Eva, but the blast missed, slicing through the cable connected to the robot's back.
--------------
"Umbilical cable severed," Shigeru announced. "Eva switching to auxiliary power. Less than two minutes activation time remaining."
"What?! Only two?" Misato asked, surprised.
"We haven't had time to fully recharge the Eva's internal batteries yet," Ritsuko informed her.
--------------
Unit 01 landed feet first on the Angel, slamming it to the ground. It's grabbed the Angel's arms, and putting one foot on its chest, straightened up. The Angel's paper-like arms were torn off as the Eva became upright. Unit 01 let them go and they floated gently to the ground.
It bent over again and grabbed hold of the Angel's face. It moved to one side as the eyes of its enemy flared, then it pulled. The Angel's skull-like head started to move away from its body. The Eva growled, then yanked hard, ripping the head clear from the body.
Unit 01 threw the head away, then reached from the still covered core. Its fingers managed to force the cover ajar. The Eva griped the sides of the cover and prized it completely open. Balling its fist, Unit 01 smashed it repeatedly into the red globe.
--------------
Shinji groaned as he regained consciousness. His chest burned slightly and he had a fierce headache. He put his hands to his head and rubbed his temples. A loud thumping sound assaulted his ears and he looked up, opening his eyes for the first time.
"What the..." he muttered. The cockpit was bathed in an eerie red glow. Looking to one side, he noticed the internal power countdown reach twenty seconds. The sound of an impact directly in front of him made him look at the cockpit's main display. He watched, stunned, as Unit 01's fist smashed into the Angel's core. He continued to watch as the robot hit it again, and again. Then a cracking sound could be heard as its fist hit the core once more. It looked as if the Eva was going to hit it again when the power failed.
--------------
"Unit 01 activation has terminated," Makato announced softly.
"A...Angel status?" Misato stuttered. Shigeru checked his console.
"No movement," he replied. "It's dead."
"I would say that was a successful test of the system, wouldn't you doctor?" Ikari commented. Ritsuko glared up at him. "Major Katsuragi, I'll leave you to handle the clear up operation," he said, getting to his feet. The commander walked away from the command centre, pleased with the outcome.
--------------
"How's the report coming Ritsuko?" Misato as she walked into the doctor's office. Her friend didn't look up from her computer and continued typing.
"I'm almost done," she answered. Her fatigue was clearly audible in her voice.
"You okay?" the major asked, perching on the edge of Akagi's desk.
"Just a little tired," she sighed, leaning back in her chair. She threw her arms up and stretched. "Things have been pretty hectic since Unit 03..." the blonde added, trailing off and lowering her head.
"I know what you mean," Misato sighed. Ritsuko swivelled her chair round and looked at the major. Katsuragi was fingering the cast on her right arm and appeared lost in thought.
"You know," Akagi said whimsically, "it's times like these that make me wish I'd taken that post in Germany."
"What post?" Major Katsuragi asked, looking at her friend, puzzled. Before the doctor could answer, the door opened. Misato glanced over at the door and saw Shinji and Asuka walk in. "Hey, Shinji. Asuka. What's up?" she asked her charges.
"I needed to ask Dr. Akagi something," the boy replied, closing the door and walking over to the desk, Asuka a step behind him.
"What is it Shinji?" the blonde asked, feeling she knew what he wanted to know about.
"How did Unit 01 defeat the Angel?" the third-child asked. A quick glance at the redhead showed she wanted to know as well.
"How do you know it didn't go berserk like it has before?" Ritsuko asked him.
"Because when I woke up, the cockpit was filled with a red light," he replied after a moment's pause. "When it goes berserk, the lighting doesn't change." There was silence for a few moments. Growing impatient, Asuka nudged his back gently. "What happened?" Shinji asked, getting the hint.
"Do you wanna tell him, or shall I?" Misato asked the doctor.
"I will," Ritsuko replied. She looked at the two pilots. "Unit 01 defeated the Angel because of the dummy system," she informed them.
"What the heck's a 'dummy system'?" Asuka asked, baffled.
"It's an experimental back up system," Misato explained, fingering her cast again. Seeing the girl didn't understand, the major looked at her friend.
"What do you mean?" Shinji asked, looking at the two adults in turn.
"The dummy system, and the dummy plug on which it's based," she related, "are being developed as a temporary replacement for pilots."
"Replacement?!" the German demanded, looking disgusted.
"Calm down Asuka," Misato said. "Like Ritsuko said, it's only temporary. For when you're injured, or knocked out," she added, nodding to the third-child.
"Oh," the boy responded, too stunned to say anything else. "Why haven't we been told about it?" he asked a moment later.
"It's still in the development stage," Akagi told him. "There are still a few...bugs to work out. But Commander Ikari ordered the system installed in the Eva's in case of an emergency." Against my objections, she added in her thoughts. "Speaking of the commander," she continued, "I'd better get this report finished, or he'll chew my ass off." She turned back to her computer and resumed typing. The other three occupants of the room took the hint and left.
--------------
"Hmm. So Unit 01 only just had sufficient power to defeat the Angel," Ikari commented to Ritsuko. She'd delivered the report to him, and he'd asked her to remain while he read through it.
"Yes sir," Dr. Akagi responded automatically. Although his face was the usual unreadable mask, she could tell he was not pleased. He pushed the folder away from him and rested his chin on his interlocked fingers, deep in thought.
"Have you completed the analysis on the item I asked for?" Gendo asked, surprising the doctor with his sudden change in topic.
"Yes sir. It received some minor damage," she informed her superior. "Nothing that cannot be repaired."
"Good. Then proceed as we discussed," he ordered her.
"But sir, the committee..." she objected.
"I will deal with them," the commander informed her. "How long will the operation take?"
"Approximately thirty days," the blonde-haired doctor responded. "It could take longer. It all depends on the level of damage Unit 01 received during the last battle."
"Then I suggest you proceed," Ikari replied. "I want constant updates." Dr. Akagi nodded and left his office, a feeling of dread filling her heart.
--------------
Major Katsuragi watched as the test plugs were lowered and the harmonics test began. It was now three days after the Angel had attacked, and things were beginning to return to normal at headquarters. Repairs to the Geo Front were almost complete, and the reconstruction of the city was well underway. To her left, Dr. Akagi issued the usual commands to Lieutenant Ibuki. Makato Aoba was sat at the console to Misato's right. The major looked over at Ritsuko, who was busy looking over Maya's shoulder. It's now or never, she thought, fingering the cast on her injured arm and taking a deep breath.
"So, Ritsuko," she said, sounding a lot more cheerful than she felt, "what's going on with Unit 01?" Misato had passed the Eva's cage earlier and had been amazed by the amount of activity. The chest and torso armour had been in the process of being removed. Akagi froze for a moment.
"Nothing much," the doctor replied calmly. "The commander ordered me to install some new components we recently gained possession of," she added, having quickly thought of an excuse. Maya looked up at her superior, but kept her silence.
"I haven't heard anything about it," Katsuragi commented.
"He only ordered it a couple of hours ago," Ritsuko lied. "I thought you'd already been told," she added, making it sound as if she were surprised.
"No," Misato replied, making it perfectly clear how upset she was about not being informed. "How long is it going to take?" she asked, sighing.
"About thirty days."
"Thirty days?!" the major gasped.
"Uh huh," the blonde responded, standing up straight and picking a clipboard up from the console. "They have to implanted deep in the torso, and some of the existing components need to be reconfigured. There's also a lot of tests that need to be run in order to ensure they're working properly."
"What the hell are we supposed to do if an Angel attacks?" Misato demanded.
"Don't worry about it, we'll be fine," Akagi told her, writing notes on the board. "Unit 00 will be ready by tomorrow, and Unit 02 by the end of the week."
"I hope your right," the major replied, worried. She shook her head and looked at the observation window. "How are they doing?" she inquired, changing the subject.
"Rei and Asuka have both increased their synch-ratios," Maya informed her. "Rei is up by four points, Asuka by six."
"And Shinji?"
"He's managed to stabilise," Ritsuko replied, alleviating the major's fears. "I guess he got over what ever it was that was bothering him."
"I'm glad," Katsuragi muttered absently.
"While we're on the subject of the pilots," Akagi said, looking at her friend, "you should know that the fourth-child is no longer able to pilot, due to his injuries."
"I had a feeling he wouldn't be," Misato replied quietly, walking forward so she was right in front of the observation window.
"Commander Ikari wants him moved from the infirmary as soon as possible," the doctor informed her. "He's to be transferred to the general hospital."
"When?" the major asked.
"A few days at least," Ritsuko answered. "It's not safe to move him yet. As soon as it is..."
"I get it," she sighed. Beyond the window, the test plugs were raised as the harmonics test came to an end.
--------------
"Welcome home Misato," Shinji said in greeting three days later, as his guardian entered the apartment. He was sat at the kitchen table, his cello in its case next to him. He'd just spent the last hour and a half practising a new piece, one he intended to play for Asuka once he'd managed to get it right.
"Hi Shinji," she responded absently. "Is Asuka in?"
"No," the boy replied, shaking his head. "She said she was going to go shopping with Hikari," he related. The major grimaced when she heard this; when Asuka went shopping, she generally complained about her lack of closet space when she got back. She quickly changed and joined him in the kitchen, taking a can of beer from the fridge.
"Is...is it true that Toji's being moved?" Shinji asked as she took a swig. She nodded as she swallowed.
"Uh huh," she said, putting her can on the table. "Because of his injuries, he's no longer able to pilot," she went on, softening her voice. "Not that I think he'd want to," she muttered under her breath. "So the commander's ordered him moved to the main Tokyo-3 general hospital."
"Oh," the third-child replied, lowering his head. "When?"
"I think Ritsuko said they were planning to move him tomorrow," Katsuragi answered. She reached across the table and squeezed one of the boy's hands.
"What about his sister?" he asked, looking up.
"Honestly, I don't know," she told him. "I think they're gonna keep her where she is for now." There was a few moments silence as both of them searched for something to say.
"Misato, why was Toji selected as the fourth-child?" Shinji asked, feeling a need to know. The major sighed. This was the one question she'd been dreading.
"Why him in particular, I don't know. But, it would seem that all of the students in your class are fourth level candidates," she informed him, fingering the cast on her right arm. "I just found out myself."
"All of them?" the boy asked, he was having trouble grasping the significance of what she had just said.
"Yes," she replied. "The Marduk Institute, which is supposed to select pilots isn't real. It's just another elaborate fabrication."
"But why?" Shinji asked, looking off to his left.
"I wish I knew," she replied truthfully. "All I do know is that there's more going on at headquarters than we've been told." She picked up her can and took another drink. And I'm going to find out the truth, she swore to herself. Feeling overwhelmed, Shinji Ikari picked up his cello case and went to his room. The major watched him go, wishing there was something, anything, she could do to help him with whatever was bothering him.
Pen-Pen opened the door of his compartment and waddled out. He looked at the woman sat at the table, his head tilted to one side. After a few moments, he returned to his compartment and slid the door shut.
--------------
When Shinji entered his room, he put his cello away and put on his SDAT player. The music flowing from his headphones soothed his troubled mind as lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
I wish Asuka was here, he thought. He needed to talk to her, and keenly felt her absence. In fact, he ached anytime they were apart these days. His need to be with her had become more and more intense over the past couple of weeks, so much so that it now threatened to overwhelm him. The boy sighed and smiled, as his thoughts of Asuka brought to mind pleasant memories.
The clearest were her telling him she loved him, and their first kiss. His lips tingled as he remembered the feeling of their lips touching for the first time and he relived the surge of emotion he had felt at that moment. His fingers gently touched his lips and his smile grew larger. Despite everything that had happened with the Angel's since then, his life was more pleasant now. He silently thanked Misato for making him and Asuka face their feelings for one another.
"I just wish we didn't have to hide it," Shinji muttered sadly.
--------------
Toji looked up from the magazine he was reading at the sound of the knock. The boy was sat up in his hospital bed, with the pillow behind him for support. He watched as the door opened slowly and his bespectacled friend looked in.
"Hey, Kensuke," he called cheerfully, putting the magazine down. "How you been?" the fourth-child asked, beckoning for him to enter.
"Fine, fine," Kensuke replied sitting in the chair next to Suzuhara and pushing his glasses back into position. "What about you?" Aida asked.
"I gotta admit, I'm bored outta my mind in here," Toji answered, leaning his head back to look at the ceiling. He'd only been in the room he currently occupied a few days, but he already knew every little crack and bump on the ceiling. "I'll sure be glad when they decide to let me outta here!"
"It can't be all that bad," Aida commented. "At least you don't have to go to school!"
"To be honest, I'd rather be at school than stuck here," Suzuhara replied, looking at his friend.
"You're kidding!?"
"I wish I were!" Toji replied earnestly. "I got nothing to do here. Hikari keeps bring me the work I'm missing, but with nothing else to do, it's finished in a couple of hours." The boy restrained the impulse to smile when he mentioned the class rep's name. Her daily visits were one of the few things he enjoyed about being stuck in hospital.
"Oh," Kensuke muttered and sighed. "What was it like?" he asked after a few moments silence.
"What was what like?" Suzuhara enquired, confused by his friend's question.
"Piloting the Eva. What was it like?"
"I wish I knew!" Toji sighed.
"What do you mean?" Kensuke asked, cocking his head to one side.
"I don't remember what happened," the former fourth-child replied. "One moment they were inserting the entry plug, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up in the Nerv infirmary." He shook his head and looked down at the magazine on his lap. "They wouldn't even tell me what had happened. Misato had to tell me the next day. At least, I think she did." He rubbed his temples and then threw his head back. "I was doped up on so many painkillers everything's kind of a blur." Kensuke did his best to hide his disappointment.
"So when you getting out of here?" he asked.
"Tomorrow... I hope," Suzuhara informed him. "They want me to try walking later today. They've got this knee brace thing that they think will help me." He didn't sound to enthusiastic about the prospect.
"Ah, I'm sure you're be fine," Kensuke replied confidently. Toji just looked at him, hoping his friend was right.
--------------
"Commander," Ritsuko said to gain his attention as she walked across the chamber towards him. She needn't have bothered, her footsteps echoed through the room.
"What is it doctor?" Gendo asked, not taking his eyes off the girl floating in the tube before him. He was not pleased that she had sought him out. The sound filling the chamber had been helping him to relax from the stress of his position.
"I think that Major Katsuragi doesn't believe the cover story for Unit 01," she informed him calmly.
"Then convince her," he replied, not bothering to look at her. "I do not have time to waste on such matters."
"I doubt that is possible," Akagi related, looking at Rei. The first-child had her eyes closed as she floated in the tube and appeared at peace. Her skin appeared to have a yellowish tinge to it; a result of the LCL she was suspended in. "The best I can do is delay her discovering the truth." Ikari sighed before speaking.
"Do what you can," he told her.
"Yes sir," the doctor replied. She turned around and walked away.
--------------
Hikari Horaki frowned when she heard the sound of voices, two of which were female, as she stood at the door to Toji's room. She'd been looking forward to having him to herself again. She felt jealousy rise within her, wondering who the ladies in his room were. Despite what she had said previously, she visited him because she cared for him, but the boy seemed to be oblivious to how she felt. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Hey Toji," she called in greeting as she stepped into the room. She froze as she saw a number of nurses leaning over him, or more precisely, his left leg.
"Hey class rep," Suzuhara responded cheerfully, looking over at her.
"You shouldn't be here," one of the nurses told her, displeased at her interruption.
"That's okay," the boy informed the nurse. "She can stay."
"Are you sure?" the doctor stood to one side asked. "This is likely to be unpleasant. Possibly even a little painful." He was obviously concerned about her presence.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Toji replied.
"Very well," the doctor responded, returning his attention to the boy's leg. Hikari closed the door and walked over to the chair next to the bed.
"What's going on?" she asked, sitting down.
"Mr. Suzuhara here is about to try walking," the doctor informed her, checking something on the boy's leg. The girl looked down and saw something wrapped around his knee.
"How's that?" the other nurse asked. She had just adjusted one of the straps on the device. "Not too tight?" Toji shook his head. He shifted himself over to the edge of the bed furthest from Hikari. The two nurses wrapped his arms around their shoulders and carried him over to the corner of the room.
In it was what appeared to be two parallel bars, set about a metre apart, and about the same in height. One by one they removed his arms from their shoulders and placed his hands on the bars. For a few moments they stood by his sides as he supported his weight on his hands.
"Now put your weight on your good leg," the doctor instructed the boy. Gingerly, Toji bent his left leg and lowered his right to the ground. "No, keep your hands on the bars," the doctor added when the boy removed his hands. Suzuhara did as he was bid.
"Good, now lower your left foot," the doctor told him. Toji lowered the foot of his injured leg until it was touching the ground. "Now try shifting your weight on it." Slowly, Suzuhara leaned to his left side, transferring pressure to his damaged leg. He let out a gasp as his knee gave way beneath him, only his hands on the bars preventing him from dropping to the floor. Hikari started to get to her feet, but a look from the doctor made her stay on the chair. The two nurses helped Toji back upright.
"Try it a bit more slowly this time," the nurse on his right suggested. He nodded and began again. After a few moments, he felt the knee begin to give again and leaned back to his right.
"Just as I thought," the doctor commented. "I want you to push your left foot down as hard as you can," he instructed. Toji nodded, and gritting his teeth, began exerting pressure on the floor. Hikari had to restrain herself from running over to help him as she watched his face contort in pain. "That's enough," the doctor said just as she was about to speak up. He nodded to the nurses who picked the boy up and returned him to the bed.
"Well Doc?" Toji asked. To the girl, he sounded disappointed. He was once again lead on the bed and the nurses were removing the brace from his knee.
"I wouldn't worry young man," the doctor replied kindly. "You've already regained a level of mobility. You may find that your left leg is weaker than the right but, in time, you should be able to walk without assistance. Although I doubt you'll ever be able to run again." The nurses, having finished their task, left the room.
"Don't be concerned," the doctor added, noticing the boy's dour look. "For now, we'll get you some crutches. And you can go home." Toji perked up at this. "You'll have to come in for physio twice a week so we can get the strength back."
"Can...can he go back to school?" Hikari asked.
"I don't see why not," the doctor answered. "As long as he is excused from anything physically demanding." He turned to the boy. "You'll know when something is too strenuous. If it starts to hurt, even slightly, stop and rest. Or you risk doing further damage."
"I get it," Suzuhara said, lying back on the bed. The doctor nodded and left the room. "Finally, I can get outta this place!" Toji muttered.
"Are you okay?" Hikari asked, her concern for his wellbeing obvious from her tone. He looked over at her and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm okay," he told her. He sat upright and stretched his arms. "Guess you won't have to bring my work anymore, huh class rep?"
"I guess," she sighed, sounding disappointed at the prospect. "Has Kensuke come to see you?" she asked, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt.
"Yeah. He came this morning. He wanted to know how it felt piloting."
"That's sounds like him alright," the brunette commented, chuckling.
"I miss any more 'newly-wed' fights?" the boy asked.
" 'Newly-wed fights'? What do you mean?" the girl asked, puzzled by his question.
"You know, the 'newly-weds'. Asuka and Shinji," he replied. "I miss any more of their fights?"
"Oh," Hikari exclaimed, understanding him. "No. No, you haven't." She frowned. "Now that I think about it, it's got to be close to a couple of weeks since they last fought." She paused and looked thoughtful. "You know, they do seem to be getting along better than they used to."
"You're right," Toji responded, thinking back to the times the two pilots had visited him. "They do seem to be closer now." He burst out laughing, a strange mental image filling his mind.
"What?" Horaki inquired. He flapped his hand at her while he recomposed himself. She waited patiently for him to calm down, pleased he was happy.
"Just the thought of those two as a couple!" he replied, smiling. "Can you imagine a more mismatched pair?" The girl began to chuckle, then burst out laughing as she imagined the two pilots together.
"You know..." she commented thoughtfully after a few moments. "You may be on to something."
"Huh? Say what?!" he spluttered in shock. His face making his surprise all too clear.
"Asuka and Shinji. Strange as it may seem, I think there is something going on between the two of them," the class rep informed him.
"You gotta be kidding me!?"
"I'm serious," she replied. "They keep sneaking looks at each other at school." Toji frowned, looking down at his lap.
"I think you're on to something," he informed her, remembering something from their visits. "They've only visited me together. Never on their own. It's either both, or neither." He lay down on his bed, overwhelmed by the turn of events. "Wow. How'd've thought it. Shinji and the devil." He smiled and looked over at his visitor. "Can't see what he sees in her though," he related.
"What do you mean?" Hikari asked. "She's beautiful, lively..."
"Arrogant, self-centred, egotistical and annoying," Toji finished for her, returning his attention to the ceiling. "Besides, I don't think she's all that attractive."
"Y...you don't?" the class rep asked, a glimmer of hope filling her.
"Nah," the boy replied, apparently oblivious to her reaction.
"Wh...what do you think of Rei?"
"Ayanami? She's kinda cute I guess, in a shy kind of way," he answered. "But she's not my type," he added, still staring at the ceiling.
"Oh?" Hikari asked, wanting to know more.
"Yeah. I like them lively, but not like Asuka," the boy replied, lost in his thoughts. "And I like them to be sensitive too," he added. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine his ideal lady. "They need to care about others, genuinely. And have a great personality and a good sense of humour." His smile broadened. "Kind of like you," he muttered to himself, unaware he was actually speaking it and not thinking it. Hikari stared at him in shock; feeling like her mouth was going to hit the ground. A plan of action began to formulate in her mind. A moment later she nodded to herself.
She stood up, and holding her hair back, she leant over the boy. She stared at him for a moment, truly looking at him for the first time. His eyes twitched and, fearing he was about to open them, she closed the distance between them and kissed him, closing her eyes.
Toji's eyes snapped open as he felt an unexpected pressure on his lips and was amazed to find Hikari's face in front of him. The shock he felt quickly dissolved and he felt himself returning her kiss and enjoying it. He reached up and wrapped his hand around her head.
The girl's eyes shot open and threatened to fly out of their sockets as she felt his hand on her head. She let go of her hair and used her hands to support herself as she leaned even further into the kiss.
After what seemed to them both like an eternity, Hikari drew back, breaking the kiss. They were both silent at first, breathing heavily. Then they smiled, almost at once. Toji let his hand drop from the back of her head and took one of her hands in it and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you," he said, feeling better than he had for a long time. Her smile widened and she sat back down, keeping hold of his hand. Even though their relationship had now irrevocably changed, they sat in silence, each enjoying the others presence.
--------------
The next morning was bright and sunny, matching Suzuhara's mood perfectly. He was up early and ready in plenty of time for school. He had decided to leave earlier than he used to, to give himself plenty of time to make it. As he opened the door, he startled Hikari, who had been about to knock.
"Hikari? What are you doing here?" he asked her. He smiled to take the sting out of his words.
"I thought I'd walk you to school," she answered. "I don't think it's something you should try on your own the first time." His smile widened at her concern.
"I guess you're right," he replied, hopping through the door on his right foot and closing it behind him. He was carrying his school bag and his crutches in his hands.
"W...would you like me to...to carry your bag?" the girl asked hesitantly, clearly shy.
"Isn't it usually the guy who carries the girl's bag?" the boy asked, teasing her. She grinned back at him. "You know, it might make things easier," he added after a moment's silence. "Man, I wish I had one of those backpacks, instead of this dumb satchel." As he spoke, the class rep took his bag from his hand and he positioned the crutches under his arms. "Lead on class rep."
One bag in each hand, the brunette slowly began to walk to school, making sure he could keep up. Along the way, she asked him several times if he'd like to rest. Each time, he shook his head and assured her he was fine. About twenty-five minutes later, Toji gently lowered himself into his seat. He sighed as he stretched his left leg out in front of him.
"Thanks for the assist Hikari," he said softly, putting the crutches on the floor beside him. The girl put his bag on his desk and smiled.
"No problem," she replied. Before she could remove her hand, he covered it with one of his own. She looked at him and blushed. "Toji. What if someone sees us?" she asked quietly.
"I don't care," he replied, smiling at her. "This is our business and nobody else's." He looked around the classroom. Their positions were beginning to elicit stares from some of their classmates. If they want something to watch, he thought, then I'll give 'em something to watch. He reached up with his free hand and pulled Hikari's face down to his own.
"Wh...what are you..." she started, but didn't get the chance to finish as he pressed his lips to hers. The girl struggled for a brief moment, then relaxed and began to enjoy the kiss. She dropped her own bag on the floor and placed her now free hand on his cheek. If either of them had their eyes opened, they'd have noticed the look of shock on the faces of all those present. If they hadn't been so wrapped up in the moment, they would also have noticed the absolute silence in the room.
"I'm sure glad that Toji's back today," Shinji commented as he walked through the door into the room. Surprised by the silence, he looked around the room and froze as he saw the couple kissing.
"You would be," Asuka replied, following him in. She didn't notice him stop and walked into him. "What the hell you stop for?" she asked the boy.
"Eh... Go... Toh... Hik..." the third-child stammered. He raised his hand and pointed, having lost the power of speech. The redhead looked in the direction he indicated and gasped, feeling like she was going to pass out. Words failed her and she stood staring along with everyone else.
"Morning Asuka," Kensuke said in greeting as he entered the room. "What are you stood here f..." he trailed off, following her gaze. "Toji?!" he exclaimed.
Oblivious to all this, Toji and Hikari broke their kiss slowly. They drew back a little, opening their eyes and the boy moved his hand from the back of her head and ran his fingers down her cheek. Hikari leaned her head into the caress and closed her eyes again, enjoying the feel of his skin against hers. The sound of clapping brought them back to reality. Looking around, they found all of their classmates smiling and applauding them and the two blushed bright red.
"Well I guess this isn't going to be a secret, huh?" Toji whispered to the class rep. She nodded, dropping her hand from his cheek. He gave her other hand a brief squeeze before releasing it. "And just what in the hell are you guys all staring at?!" he asked the class. Everyone quickly found something else to do.
--------------
Over the next week, things slowly began to settle down into a routine once more. Toji made slow but steady progress in his physiotherapy sessions. The work on Unit 01 proceeded.
However, over the course of the week, Asuka began to feel jealous of Hikari. She was not jealous of the girl's love for Toji, but that the class rep could publicly show affection for the one she loved, something Asuka desired strongly.
--------------
"Hi Makato!" Major Katsuragi called. She'd been surprised to recognise the bespectacled technician leaning on the railing and staring out over the city as she'd drove past and had stopped.
"Huh? Oh, hi major," he replied flatly, looking up. He looked dreadful.
"You okay?" she asked, walking over to stand next to him.
"Yeah," Makato replied unconvincingly. He sighed and shook his head. "Just thinking," he muttered.
"About what?" the major enquired.
----FLASHBACK--------------------------
Makato had been wandering around headquarters earlier that day during one of his breaks when he'd happened upon Maya. She had been typing away at a portable console in one of the rest areas and had failed to notice him.
"...finished with the input of the data," she'd muttered to herself, "now we can get on with re-routing the power conduits." She'd sighed and shook her head. "I can't believe Dr. Akagi hasn't told anyone yet. Not that I blame her. I'm still nervous around that thing, even if I have run all the tests on it," she had continued, unaware her monologue was being overheard. She had been silent for a few moments as she checked something on her console.
"I just wish I knew what the commander was thinking when he ordered it salvaged from Unit 03," she'd commented. To Makato, it had seemed like she wasn't even aware she was speaking aloud. He'd drawn back into the shadows when she'd thrown her head back and stretched.
----END OF FLASHBACK-------------------
" 'Salvage'?" Misato asked, confused. "But I thought Unit 03 was a newer design than Unit 01."
"It is," Hyugo replied, looking at the woman stood next to him.
"But then, components from it would be incompatible with Unit 01, wouldn't they?" she enquired.
"Right. That's what's bothering me," he answered. "That, and the way Maya said she was afraid of it." He sighed and shook his head, returning his gaze to the city skyline. "And why were they playing with the power systems?" Misato frowned.
"Power systems. Salvage from Unit 03," she muttered, trying to figure out the connection. She gasped suddenly, as things began to make perfect, if terrifying, sense. "They wouldn't!" she exclaimed, looking like she was going to pass out with shock. "Not after what happened last time."
"What?!" the technician asked, puzzled.
"You don't want to know," she replied. "I've got to check something," she added, walking over to her car. "See you tomorrow," she called as she started the engine. Without looking back, she started the engine and headed back to Nerv headquarters at top speed.
--------------
Misato slammed open the door to Commander Ikari's office and stalked over to the desk, planting her left hand down on it and staring the man in the face. If it hadn't been for her right arm being injured, both hands would have been on the desk. For once, the commander was alone, and he appeared surprised by the major's entrance.
"Is there something I can do for you major?" he asked in his usual tone of voice.
"You can tell me what the hell you think you're doing!" she yelled at him. "How dare you put us all at risk like this?" she demanded.
"To what are you referring?" he enquired calmly.
"You bloody well know what I 'referring' to," she spat at him. "What the hell are you thinking? How could you, after what happened in America?"
"I do only what is necessary for our success," Ikari responded.
"By installing an S2 organ in Unit 01?!"
"Read the reports from the battles with the Angels," he instructed. "You'll notice a disturbing trend. The Eva's are constantly exhausting their power during combat. I will no longer permit that."
"But Unit 04..."
"Was lost when the S2 engine malfunctioned. Unit 01 is having an actual organ implanted. There is no danger of a repeat of the Nevada incident."
"The hell you say!" Misato exclaimed.
"A simple statement of fact," Gendo replied. "The S2 engine was made from samples taken from the fourth Angel and was obliviously faulty. The S2 organ is undamaged and, as such, completely safe." The major straightened up and folded her arms, continuing to glare at the commander.
"As Director of Operations, I should have been informed," she told him, forcing herself to speak calmly when all she wanted to do was throttle him.
"You were informed that Unit 01 was being upgraded," he told her. "You didn't need to know the specifics. Once the installation was complete, and Unit 01 was functioning properly, you would have been informed." He paused for a moment. "Do you have anything else to say?"
"No. Except that I'd like to go on record as objecting to this course of action," she informed her superior.
"Very well major. Dismissed."
--------------
"I'll get it," Shinji called as the doorbell rang. He got up and wandered over to the apartment's front door, wondering just who it was. "Rei?!" he said, surprised to see the blue-haired pilot stood outside. "What are you doing here?"
"Major Katsuragi asked me to come," the girl quietly informed the boy. He steeped aside and gestured for her enter.
"Who is it?" Asuka called from the living room.
"It's Rei," Shinji called back in response as he closed the door.
"Wondergirl?! What the hell she doing here?" the boy heard the German ask.
"I invited her," Misato replied, her voice carrying to the hallway where the first-child was removing her shoes. Shinji and Rei walked into the lounge. Asuka was still sat on the couch, watching the television and Misato was stood in the kitchen doorway. "Take a seat Rei," the major said. The first-child did as she was bid. The major picked up the television remote and turned it off.
"Hey! I was watching that," the redhead complained, turning to her guardian. Misato's serious expression caught her off-guard.
"I'm sorry," the major apologised, sitting on the couch next to her, "but this is important." She gestured for Shinji to sit down; for some strange reason he was still on his feet. The boy sat down on the floor, facing the couch.
"What is it?" Asuka enquired, her curiosity aroused by the major's tone.
"It's about Unit 01," Misato informed the three pilots. Her left hand drifted to the cast on her other arm.
"What about it?" the third-child asked, worried
"As you know, it's currently being worked on," the major began, choosing her words carefully.
"Yeah," the second-child replied. "Dr. Akagi mentioned something about installing new components."
"It's just one part that's being installed," Katsuragi told her. "And that's the problem," she added, her voice softening.
"Why? What is it?" Shinji asked.
"An S2 organ," the major announced. There was a look of shock on two of the children.
"WHAT?!" Asuka demanded.
"But... Isn't that what caused..." Shinji stammered.
"The incident in Nevada?" Misato finished for him. "In a way." She sighed heavily. Damn I wish Kaji was here, she thought. "The accident in America was caused by the experimental S2 engine," she continued. "It was built from samples taken from the fourth Angel. What they're putting in Unit 01 is an actual S2 organ, taken directly from an Angel. The thirteenth Angel, to be precise."
"The thirteenth Angel... You mean Unit 03?" Asuka asked. The major nodded.
"It's Commander Ikari's orders," she related.
"Why?" Shinji asked, surprising his guardian. She hadn't expected him to be able to speak, thinking he'd be too overcome by what he'd just learnt.
"Because the Eva's keeping running out of power during battle," Misato informed him. "He doesn't want to run the risk of it happening again."
"Oh," the boy muttered, looking down at the floor. A moment later he looked up at Asuka, feeling the need for her encouragement. Catching his glance, the German gave a barely perceptible nod. "So what happens now?" he asked.
"To be honest," the major sighed, "I don't know. Once the installation is complete, I assume they'll be testing it."
"Will...will I be involved?" the third-child asked.
"More than likely," Katsuragi informed him. She looked at Rei. "You okay?" she asked. "You haven't said anything."
"I have nothing to say," the first-child replied quietly. "If that is all," she continued, getting to her feet, "I will be going."
"Uh, yeah," the major responded, slightly stunned. "Bye." The blue-haired girl nodded and left the room. With nothing being said by the others, she could be heard putting on her shoes and leaving the apartment.
"Man! What's up with Wondergirl?" Asuka asked of no one in particular. Misato shook her head and stood up, passing the television remote to the German.
"I need a drink," she muttered, heading for the kitchen.
--------------
"Ikari, just what do you think you are doing?" Chairman Keele asked Gendo. The commander had been called to an emergency meeting of the Human Instrumentality Project committee.
"What is necessary to ensure our survival," the commander replied calmly. When he had received the summons, he had correctly guessed what was going to be discussed.
"This does not fit within our scenario," the yellow lit member told him.
"Why have you done this?" Keele enquired.
"Out of necessity," Gendo informed him. "Review the encounters with the Angels and you will notice a disturbing trend."
"And what, pray tell, is that?" Yellow asked, mocking him.
"That the Eva's have been consistently expending their power supplies during battle," Ikari replied, refusing to rise to the bait.
"That is what the auxiliary batteries are for," Blue informed him.
"The use of the auxiliary battery packs reduces the Eva's ability to manoeuvre," Gendo replied. "And it is their manoeuvrability which is key to their success."
"Nevertheless, you should have spoken to us first," Keele reprimanded him. "You are to cease the process and remove the organ immediately."
"That would be unwise," Ikari told him. "The process is more than fifty percent complete. Attempting to remove it now would be far more hazardous than continuing."
"Very well, continue. But," the chairman added, "Unit 01 is to remain in cryo-stasis pending further tests."
"I understand," Ikari replied. His image vanished from the chamber.
"It was a mistake to entrust Nerv to him," Blue commented. "Wasn't it?"
"Hmm, perhaps," Keele replied. "But he was the only one who could achieve this project's goals. Ikari, what's going on in your mind?" He shook his head and sighed.
"This is because we didn't we didn't put a bell around Ikari's neck," Red muttered.
"A bell was there, but it didn't ring," Yellow responded.
"A bell that doesn't ring has no purpose," Keele said. "We'll make sure the bell works, next time."
--------------
Toji gently kissed Hikari and ran his fingers of his left hand through her hair; his right hand held his crutches. Kensuke averted his gaze, still feeling a little uncomfortable with his friend's public displays of affection of the class rep despite over a week passing since he'd first found out. The girl wrapped her arms around his waist and leant against her boyfriend. Toji broke the kiss and, when she dropped her head, put his hand under her chin and pushed it up.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said softly, staring into her eyes. She nodded, the look in her eyes making it clear she didn't want him to leave. She removed her arms from his waist and watched him leave.
"Come on Hikari," Asuka said, nudging her. "We've got work to do," she told her friend impatiently. The brown-haired girl had clean up duty, and with Shinji at headquarters for testing in Unit 01, the German had volunteered to help her. Hikari shook her head to clear it and began working.
--------------
"I'm not going too fast am I?" Kensuke asked his friend as they walked through the streets of Tokyo-3.
"Nah," Toji replied, somewhat breathlessly. "I'd say if you were." He looked at his bespectacled friend. "There something you wanna ask?"
"Well... I was just wondering why you asked me to walk home with you?" Aida enquired. "I mean, you usually walk with Hikari, right?" Toji nodded. "And I know she's got clean up duty, but..."
"I asked you 'cause I feel safer having someone with me when I'm out these days," Suzuhara informed him. He stopped, looking down his crutches. "These things make me nervous," he added, tapping them. "And if I fell, I dunno if I could get up without help." Kensuke nodded as he took this in. He knew his friend hated admitting to any kind of weakness.
"Well, there is one thing I've been itching to ask ya," the boy in the glasses said a few moments after they'd resumed moving.
"What's that?" Toji asked.
"How'd you hook up with Hikari?"
"You know, I'm not really sure," Suzuhara admitted, frowning. "I think I made it pretty clear I liked her visits, but apart from that..." he trailed off, shrugging.
"So who made the first move?"
"She did," Toji related, thinking back. "The day I was gonna be released, she kissed me."
"Just like that?" Kensuke asked, not really believing him.
"Well, for some reason she asked me what kind of girls I liked," Toji replied, choosing to leave out how that topic had been raised. He smiled.
"What?" Aida asked, seeing his friend's grin.
"I remember thinking that I liked girls like her," he answered. "Guess I must have said it aloud without realising."
"Then what?"
"Then we kissed," Toji stated. He chuckled. "I gotta admit, I was a little surprised at first."
"Man! You get all the luck," Kensuke muttered, shaking his head. "Do you know how many guys in our class wanted to hook up with her?"
--------------
"Come on Hikari!" Asuka said rather loudly, bringing her friend out of her daydream. "Snap out of it or we'll never be done." The brunette shook her head and resumed sweeping the floor.
"Sorry Asuka," she replied, refusing to take the smile from her lips.
"You were thinking about him again, weren't you?" the German asked. Hikari nodded and leant the broom against the wall behind her.
"I just can't seem to get him out of my head," she informed her friend.
I know what that's like, the redhead thought and sighed. "Well I wish you would," she said aloud. "It's disgusting, seeing you go all gaga over him like that!" The class rep bent down with the dustpan and brush in her hands and sighed.
"I thought you'd be pleased," she told her friend.
"Don't get me wrong Hikari," the second-child replied. "I'm glad you're happy. But you could try not to space out so much?"
"I guess so," the girl in question chuckled, standing up and emptying the contents of the dustpan into the bin. "So, what else is left?" she asked, putting it down on the teachers desk.
"Just the cleaning the board and emptying the bins," the pilot replied. "I did the rest while you were off in la-la land." Hikari blushed and lowered her head, somewhat ashamed of herself.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"It's okay," Asuka replied. "I did volunteer to help after all!"
"But you shouldn't have had to do so much," Hikari protested as she began to clean the black board.
"It's nothing, really," the German assured her, sitting down at one of the desks.
"Hey, Asuka?" the class rep asked, looking over her shoulder at the redhead, who was looking out the window.
"Yeah?" she replied, turning her attention to her friend.
"How come you volunteered?"
"Well... I didn't want to walk home alone," the pilot answered, "and with Shinji at headquarters for tests in Unit 01 I didn't have much choice."
"I guess not," Hikari muttered and resumed her work. What are you hiding? she mused. Wait...the way she said his name, she thought, it's just the same way I say Toji's these days. Then... Could I be right about them? I'll ask her. She shook her head. No. She'll only deny it. I need help. I'll ask Toji, she decided.
You're so lucky Hikari, Asuka thought, unaware of what was running through her friend's mind. You get to hug and kiss him anytime you want. Me, I gotta wait until we're alone. She stared out the window again. There are times I wish I wasn't a pilot!
"There!" Hikari said, startling the redhead. "Now we just have to put this stuff back and throw out the trash," she continued, picking up the broom and dustpan and brush. The German got to her feet and picked up the bucket and cloth she'd been using and followed the class rep to the storage cupboard.
Returning to the classroom, Hikari pulled the rubbish bag out of the bin and headed for the incinerators. Asuka grabbed her and Hikari's school bags and followed her.
--------------
"I'm glad you could make it," Kaji said to Misato a few days later when she walked up to the park bench he was sat on. It was Sunday afternoon, and he'd only just got back to Tokyo-3 early that morning. "You're message sounded urgent."
"It was," the major sighed, sitting down next to him. "Do you know what's happening at headquarters?" she asked, leaning forward and resting her arms on her knees, grateful she was finally rid of the cast.
"Well, I know something's being done to Unit 01..." he replied, tipping his head backwards, "but other than that." He shrugged.
"They're...they're installing an S2 organ in it," Katsuragi informed him. His head snapped up and, for a split-second he looked completely shocked, but he covered it quickly.
"Why in the world would they do something like that?" Ryoji asked, sounding as casual as he could.
"Because the commander doesn't want the Eva's to keep running out of power during battle," Misato informed him. "He said he feels this is the safest course of action." She shook her head. "I just wish I could believe him."
"Walk with me," Kaji said, getting to his feet. The major looked up at him, and seeing the look in his eye, did so. They walked, both with their hands in their pockets; Misato's in her jacket pockets, and Kaji in his trouser pockets. "So, you think our dear Commander Ikari has an ulterior motive?" he asked after almost a minute of walking.
"Wouldn't surprise me," Misato muttered. "But what could he hope to achieve?" she mused. Kaji pulled his hands out of his pockets and grabbed her left arm. She looked him in the eye, seeing his usual playfulness and something else, something darker. "What?"
"There are more secrets buried at headquarters than you could possibly imagine," Ryoji told her. He put his right arm around her waist and began walking again, forcing her to accompany him. Realising the purpose of his actions, she fell in line with his ruse and leant into his embrace and removed her hands, slipping her arm around his waist. She felt his hand in her jacket pocket and looked at him.
"A gift," he told her, noticing her expression. "It'll point the way and open the door," he added cryptically. He removed his hand and replaced it on her hip. "Just be careful who you trust."
--------------
"You know, I'm glad Misato's out," Asuka commented as she snuggled against Shinji, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. They were sat together on the couch, The television was on, but they were too busy enjoying each other's company to pay it much attention. "We don't get nearly enough time together!" she complained.
"I know what you mean," the boy replied, nuzzling her hair. "But with what's going on with Unit 01, what else can we do?"
We could always go public, the girl thought, but she knew he'd never go for it. And Misato would flip if they did! She was about to say something when the doorbell rang. "Who could that be?" she asked.
"I'll go find out," the third-child told her, getting up. As he walked to the door, she felt her shoulders cool as the heat from his touch faded.
Shinji sighed as he walked up to the door. He hadn't wanted to move, but he knew he had to. He just hoped that whoever it was, it was someone he could get rid of quickly. He smiled ruefully and opened the door.
"Hi!" Toji and Hikari cried in unison. Shinji felt as if he was going to faint.
"Uh, hi. What...what are you doing here?" he managed to stammer.
"Oh, nothing," Toji told him. "We were out for a walk and I got tired. It was easier to come here than go home," he explained.
"Oh. Come in," the third-child said, steeping aside to allow them entry. "It's Toji and Hikari!" he called out to Asuka, closing the door.
"Hi!" Asuka greeted the two arrivals, with what Shinji knew was false cheerfulness. She wanted to be alone with him as much as he wanted to be alone with her. "How's it going?"
"Great," Toji answered, gently lowering himself onto the couch. Asuka shifted over to allow Hikari to sit next to her boyfriend. "I just needed somewhere to rest for a while," he continued, putting his crutches on the ground. "Hope we're not interrupting anything."
"Not at all," the German assured him. Except me and Shinji's quiet afternoon together, she added mentally.
"Would you like something to drink?" Shinji asked, ever the dutiful host.
"Tea please," Hikari replied.
"You got any orange juice?" Suzuhara asked.
"I think so," Ikari replied, heading to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with a tray carrying three cups of tea and one glass of orange juice. He passed the drinks out, then sat on the floor again, looking out of the window. It was quiet for a while, as the four children sipped their drinks, lost in thought.
"So, Toji," Shinji eventually said, turning to his friend. "How was physio yesterday?" he asked.
"Not too bad," Suzuhara replied. "It's getting better. I can almost put my
whole weight on my leg," he continued, proud of his progress. Hikari looked at him and smiled tenderly.
"Glad to hear it," Asuka commented. "So how much longer you gonna need those crutches?" she asked casually, brining her cup to her mouth.
"Another four weeks or so they said," Toji related as she drank. "They want to make sure it's safe."
"Well that's understandable," Shinji said. "Any word on your sister?"
"She's still at the infirmary," his friend informed him. "Actually, I was thinking about asking if they could transfer her back to the general hospital." He paused to drain the last of his juice. "It's such a pain to get through security every time I wanna go see her!"
"I'll ask Misato to see about it," the third-child told him. "I'm sure she can get it done quickly."
"Thanks Shinji," Toji said, putting his glass down on the table in front of the couch.
That's enough of that! Hikari thought. She and Toji had come to the apartment for a very specific reason, and she was tired of waiting for conversation to run out of steam.
"So, how long have you two been going out?" she asked bluntly. The two pilots looked at each other, surprised not only by the question, but also by her tone. There was silence for a few moments.
"Were not!" Asuka said, trying to sound upset.
"Yeah, right!" Toji remarked. "It's obvious, the way you two have been behaving around each other recently."
"Then I suggested you get your eyes checked!" the redhead told him sharply. "Because there's obviously something wrong with them!"
"Come on Asuka, you can tell me," Hikari said, trying to get her friend to open up.
"There...there's nothing to tell," Shinji told her.
"That's a load of bull!" Toji threw at him. "And you know it!" Before either of the two pilots could think of anything to say, the front door opened.
"I'm back," Misato called as she slid the door closed and walked into the living room. "Oh, hi guys!" the major added, seeing Toji and Hikari on the couch. She went to her room and hung her jacket on the back of her chair. She'd find somewhere to put Kaji's little 'gift' later, now she had guests to attend to.
"So, Toji, how you getting on?" she asked, opening the can of beer she'd taken from the kitchen before returning to the living room.
"Not too bad," the boy replied as she threw her head back and downed a good third of the can. "The doc's are pleased with how it's going."
"That's good to hear," she commented, leaning against the doorframe.
"Come on Toji," Hikari said, getting to her feet. "We'd best get going. You've still got homework to do, remember."
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Right. Thanks for reminding me," he replied, realising what she was up to. There was no way they were going to get anything out of Shinji and Asuka as long as Misato was around, and she didn't seem to be going anywhere. Hikari picked his crutches up and helped him to his feet.
"Thank you for the drinks Shinji," Hikari said, heading for the door. Shinji got to his feet and followed.
"We'll talk at school," Toji muttered to Shinji as he passed the boy at the door. "Bye guys!" he called aloud as he exited the apartment. The third-child closed the front door and sighed. Hikari and Toji knew. There was no getting around it. Worried, he headed to his room to think.
"So, where'd you go to in such a hurry Misato?" Asuka asked as she heard
Shinji's bedroom door close.
"To see Kaji," the major replied flatly, sitting down on the couch.
--------------
Shinji Ikari had returned to his room after eating dinner. His mind was running in circles, trying to figure out a course of action. He sighed heavily and got off his bed. Swallowing, he opened his door and walked to Asuka's room.
"Everything okay Shinji?" Misato asked, startling the boy. He looked around and saw his guardian coming out of the bathroom.
"Yeah," he replied, sounding calmer than he felt. "I just need to discuss a homework assignment with Asuka," he lied.
"Okay," the major responded, nodding. She walked past him and returned to the living room. The boy sighed as she left his sight.
"Thank God she bought it," he muttered under his breath. Steeling himself, he knocked on Asuka's door.
"Who is it?" the German asked. She sounded a little upset at the interruption.
"It's Shinji," he replied. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Well come in then," she told him. He opened the door and stepped into her bedroom. Sliding the door closed behind him, the third-child saw her lying on her bed. She was on her front, hand supporting her chin and a reading a magazine sat on her pillow. He stood there for a moment, struck dumb by how beautiful she looked.
Asuka turned around and looked at him. He looked worried about something, that was pretty obvious. But he also looked peaceful as he stared at her.
"Well?" she asked, after a short period of silence, during which the two just looked at each other.
"You are so beautiful," Shinji commented, shaking his head slightly.
"Thank you," the German responded, feeling herself blush. That was the first time he'd said that to her. "So, what did you want to discuss?"
"Toji and Hikari," the boy informed her.
"Oh," she replied, sitting up.
"They know," Shinji said.
"So it seems," Asuka commented. "But I'm sure we can come up with something to fool them." Shinji walked over and sat on her bed, head down.
"I don't want to," he sighed. "I'm sick of lying to everyone." He looked at her, staring into her bright blue eyes. "I love you Asuka, and I want to tell the whole world. I want to run through the streets, telling everyone that I am in love with Asuka Langley Sohryu." He dropped his head again.
"I know how you feel," she told him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I want everyone to know how I feel about you as well. But we can't." She pulled herself up against him and rested her head on his shoulder. "We agreed to keep it a secret."
"I know," the third-child replied. "But you told Kaji."
"No, Kaji figured it out, remember."
"So have Toji and Hikari," he pointed out. "We don't have to tell them, we just have to..." he trailed off and she sighed.
"Okay," she told him. "But, on one condition. Toji agrees not to tell Kensuke. Okay?" Shinji looked at her, surprised by her acquiescence, and nodded. The second-child stood up and picked up the phone. She dialled Hikari's number. It was answered after the fourth ring.
"Hello?" a voice said.
"Kodamo? It's Asuka. Can I speak to Hikari please?" the redhead asked.
"Sure," the eldest of the Horaki girls replied. "Toji's over, again!" she added, sounding a little put out. There was the sound of footsteps, then knocking. "Hikari! Phone call. It's Asuka." A door could be heard opening.
"Thanks Kodamo," Hikari could be heard to say, before the door was closed. "Asuka? What is it?" the class rep asked.
"There's something I wanna tell you," Asuka informed her friend, sitting down next to the boy she loved.
"Oh, what's that?" Hikari asked.
"First, I need to speak to Toji," the redhead told her.
"Okay." The phone was passed to the boy.
"Hey Asuka, what's up?" he asked cheerfully.
"Before I tell you that, I want you to promise me something?"
"What?" Toji enquired, puzzled.
"Promise me you won't tell Kensuke what I'm about to tell you, unless I say so," Asuka told him. "Got it."
"Huh? Sure, sure. I promise."
"Good. I'm not going to repeat this, so make sure Hikari can hear it," the German instructed him.
"Hey Hikari," the boy could be heard to say, "come here." There was a short pause.
"What is it Toji?" Asuka could Hikari ask.
"Just put your ear next to the phone," he told her. "Okay Asuka, go ahead." The second-child took a deep breath and sighed.
"You were right," she told them. "About Shinji and me. We ARE in love." There was a loud shriek that made her pull the phone away from her ear.
"Gimme that," the redhead heard Hikari say as she put the phone back to the side of her face. "You serious Asuka?" the class rep asked.
"Very. I love him." Asuka sighed, running her free hand through her hair. "I don't know how it happened, but I fell for him," she continued lying back on her bed. Shinji looked at her, guessing the reactions she was hearing.
"I'm glad," the class rep told her. "You guys are good for each other." There was a pause. "Huh! Okay," she said, sounding like she was holding the phone away from her. "Is Shinji there?" she asked Asuka.
"Yes he is," the second-child replied.
"Could you put him on, Toji wants to speak to him."
"Okay," the German replied. She passed the phone to the boy. "Toji wants to speak to you," she told him.
"Hello?" Shinji said, putting the phone to his ear.
"You sly dog," Toji replied. "How long this been going on for?"
"About a couple of months," the third-child informed his friend.
"You must be crazy, to fall in love with her!" Suzuhara commented.
"I guess I am," Shinji replied. "Because I do love her."
"Well, I wish you guys the best of luck," Toji told him. "Oh, and assure you're girlfriend that I'm not going to tell anyone, okay?"
"Will do," Shinji replied.
"Hikari! It's eight o'clock," the third-child heard a young voice cry.
"Okay Nozomi!" Hikari called back. "Listen Shinji, we gotta go," she told the boy, taking the phone back. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Bye," Shinji replied, and the line went dead. He got up and out the phone back on the desk. "Toji asked me to assure you he's not gonna tell anyone," he told Asuka.
"Good," the girl responded, sitting up again. She looked at her boyfriend and smiled at him. She got to her feet and walked over to him, putting her arms around his neck. "Feel better now?" she asked him softly.
"Yes," he replied, matching her tone and sliding his arms around her waist. They stared into each other eyes for a moment, then leant into one another and kissed. After a short time, they ended the kiss and rested their foreheads against one another's.
"I better go back to my room," Shinji muttered to her. "I told Misato I was going to speak to you about an assignment for school."
"Then you'd better go," Asuka told him, removing her arms from his neck. He took his arms from her waist and walked to the door. "Gute Nacht Shinji," she said as he opened her door, missing the feel of his arms already.
"Good night Asuka," he replied softly, sliding her bedroom door shut behind him.
To be continued...
Next Chapter -
Memories of the past.
=================================================================================================
Well, what do you think? Please contact me with your comments. I'll try to answer any questions in the author notes for the next chapter.
If you want to discuss something with me, please send me an e-mail. My address is CEO_Room3@Hotmail.com. I'll do my best to respond to all correspondence.
Hopefully the next chapter will be out in less than two weeks. Please be patient if it's longer. I AM going to finish this story.
Well, here's chapter four, which takes the place of episodes nineteen and twenty. Sorry it took so long, but I hoped it was worth it. Damn, but this was a hard one to write!
I'll try to get the next chapter out quicker, as I know exactly what I've got planned. (Not that that means much! One of the scenes in this one ended up different than I planned. But it did turn out better than I thought it would.)
Disclaimer -
All the characters contained in this story are copyright GAINAX, Project EVA, Movic, and any other company and/or division associated with the creation and/or production of Neon Genesis Evangelion. A.D.Vision holds the copyrights to the translated version of Neon Genesis Evangelion. All characters are used WITHOUT the permission of the aforementioned institutions.
=================================================================================================
IMPACT
A sequel to "A Question Of..."
By Room3
Chapter 04 - "Heresy"
"Major Katsuragi, do you believe the pilots of Unit's 01 and 02 acted correctly?" the commander asked. He was sat behind his desk, chin resting on his hands in his usual manner.
"After reading the reports submitted thus far, I believe they did, sir," Misato answered. "A friend was in trouble, and they did all they could to help." She did her best not to sway as she stood in Ikari's office, in front of his desk. Damn, she thought, I wish he'd increase the lighting.
"Despite the fact that they disobeyed a direct order?" Fuyutski asked from his position behind the commander. "Several orders, in fact."
"They did what they thought was best," the major replied. She resisted the compunction to scratch her right arm, as the plaster would prevent her from reaching the itch.
"I see," Gendo responded. From everything she had gathered in the past day, the commander was most displeased with the turn of events that lead to the destruction of Unit 03. "So you would be opposed to any disciplinary action taken against them."
"That would depend, sir," Katsuragi told him.
"On what?" the commander asked, curious.
"On the severity of the proposed action," Misato replied. "Through their actions, they saved a life. The life of a fellow pilot." She paused for a moment to consider her next words. "They should be reprimanded sir, but it should also go on record that their actions were for the best."
"I agree with you, Major," Fuyutski surprised her by saying. "The reprimand would demonstrate the importance of discipline, while the record would show that they acted correctly, according to the situation."
"Hmm. You may be correct," Ikari said thoughtfully. He looked up at the major. "You are dismissed Major Katsuragi."
"Yes sir," Misato responded and left the dark office. The commander of Nerv watched her leave and then stood up and looked out of the window behind him, catching Fuyutski by surprise.
"Have the remains of the Angel been recovered?" he asked.
"Not as yet," Kouzou related, "but Dr. Akagi is handling the operation, so it shouldn't take more than another day or so."
"Good. Have her run a complete analysis of all the components that are recovered," Gendo ordered.
"Why?" Fuyutski asked, looking at the man stood next to him.
"I have an idea," was all the commander would say.
--------------
"This is by special permission," Toji heard a female voice say as he regained consciousness. "You've got exactly five minutes."
"Thank you," he heard another female voice say, this one sounded younger, and familiar. He opened his eyes and, after he'd managed to make them focus, he looked to his right. To his surprise he found Hikari Horaki sat on a stool next to his bed.
"Hey, it's the class rep," he said, trying to sound his usual cheerful self, but he failed, he was just too tired.
"Suzuhara, how are you feeling?" she asked, relieved he was awake.
"Lousy," he told her. "But at least I'm still alive." Hikari sighed. "I wonder... How long was I out for...this time?" he muttered.
"I was told you've been out for almost a day and a half," the class rep replied.
"I was? A day and a half?!" He looked at her and smiled. "Did you...?"
"Uh... No! I've only been here a little while. They wouldn't let me," she told him, looking flustered and blushing slightly. She looked away. "I...I mean...I came as the class representative you know."
"Of course," he replied, turning his head so he was facing away from her. "I knew that." For some strange reason, he felt disappointed.
"Do you really?" she whispered, looking at the end of the bed.
"I'm sorry," he said, startling her. "I didn't get to eat the lunch you made."
"Don't worry about it," she told him, looking back at him. "It's all right. I just wish I could bring you lunch here, but...it's not allowed." Toji sighed. He was about to say something when the door opened. He looked over to see Shinji and Asuka walk through it.
"Oh, hey guys!" he said in greeting.
"Told you there was someone in here," Asuka said triumphantly to Shinji. The third-child ignored the tone of her voice and looked at his friend.
"How are you Toji?" he asked.
"Been better," Suzuhara. He sighed. "Class rep, could you do me a favour?" he asked, looking back at Hikari.
"Sure," she replied, smiling.
"Would you tell my sister...that there's nothing wrong with me," he told her. "Katsuragi told me she's just down the hall."
"No problem," the class rep replied, standing up. "Bye," she said, sliding close the door behind her.
"Are you in any pain?" Asuka asked, sitting on the now vacant stool.
"Not really," Toji answered. "But I feel so light-headed and weak, probably from all the painkillers they've got me on."
"I'm sorry Toji. It's my fault you're in here," Shinji told him, hanging his head. He was stood behind the German.
"No it's not Shinji," Suzuhara replied. "Misato told me what happened. I owe you guys my life. Thanks."
"For what?" the redhead asked, surprised.
"For standing up to Commander Ikari like that. If it hadn't been for you disobeying him like you did, I doubt I'd be alive now." He looked closely at Shinji's face and couldn't help but see the fear in it. The fear that he, Shinji, was to blame. "I hope you guys don't get into too much trouble for that."
"Doesn't matter," Asuka surprised Toji by saying. "We did what was right. That's what's important." Suzuhara closed his eyes and allowed his head to rest against the pillow. Shinji reached forward and squeezed the German's shoulder.
"We better be going Asuka," he said softly, leaning forward so his mouth was level with her ear. "He needs his rest." The second-child reached up and rested her hand on his.
"You're right," she replied, just as softly as he did. She stood up and looked at the boy in the bed. "Well, we gotta be going Toji," she said, louder. "Bye."
"Huh," Toji murmured, opening his eyes to see the two pilots leave the room. "I guess they'll be back," he muttered. "So tired," he added, closing his eyes once more and allowing sleep to claim him.
--------------
As the two pilots walked along the corridor, Asuka couldn't help but feel Shinji's worry. Despite what Toji had said to the third-child, he was going to insist on blaming himself for what had happened to his friend.
"He's right, you know," the redhead said softly after a few moments silence. "It's not your fault. And if you hadn't stood up to your father like that, it would've been a lot worse for him."
Shinji stopped dead and looked at her. It took the girl a moment to realise he'd ceased moving and when she did, she looked back at him. It seemed to her that he was fighting something within himself, the expression on his face revealing the turmoil within. They locked eyes. A few moments later, Shinji sighed heavily and began walking again.
"My father," he murmured as they waited for one of the elevators less than a minute later. Asuka looked at him, worried about what he was thinking.
"What about him?" she asked as the lift's doors opened. He stepped inside before answering.
"He...he wanted me to...to..." he stuttered. The lift door closed and he reached for her. "Oh God, he...he..." he continued, resting his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him, one hand on his back and the other on the back of his head.
"Shh! It's all right. Just let it out," she told him softly. She felt more than heard him begin to cry, his tears wetting her neck as they rolled off his face. The German knew he'd been holding something back since the incident, and she knew it would be good for him to let it out, but she also knew they'd have a tough time explaining their positions if they were found like this. But just then, as the boy she loved cried into her neck, she really didn't care who saw them. He needed her. That was all that mattered.
Just as the boy pulled away, the elevator stopped as they reached their destination. He wiped the last few tears from his eyes, feeling more at peace than he had for sometime.
"Thank you," he said softly as the doors slid open. The young couple stepped out of the lift and headed for the exit. Although neither spoke on the journey home, the bond between them had strengthened and their love for one another had grown deeper during that short time. Asuka had marvelled at his willingness to show her his vulnerability, and Shinji had been surprised, and gladdened, when she had not only allowed him to be vulnerable, but had helped him through it as well.
--------------
"You wanted to see me, Commander?" Ritsuko asked as she entered Ikari's office. Despite getting a good night's sleep, she was still tired from her exertions the day before.
"Indeed," Gendo said, not bothering to look at her. "Is the recovery operation complete?" he asked.
"Yes sir. We've recovered in excess of eighty percent of Unit 03," the doctor replied. "The rest was beyond any form of analysis and was destroyed."
"Good. How long do you perceive the analysis of the remains will take?" Ikari asked.
"A thorough analysis could take in excess of two months, sir," Akagi replied. "If there was something specific you wanted to know, it would probably be done much faster."
"There was, but that can wait," the commander said, standing up and looking out the window behind him. Ritsuko remained in front of his desk. "Have you had a chance to go over the fourth-child's medical report yet?" he asked, without looking back at her.
"Yes sir. The majority of his injuries would seem to have been caused by the events that followed the removal of the entry plug. However, the nerve damage is probably the result of attempting to synchronise with the infested Eva," Akagi replied. She paused to allow him to assimilate the information.
"Will he recover completely?" Ikari asked dispassionately. To the doctor, it sounded like he really didn't care one way or another; and he probably didn't.
"I cannot say for certain at this time," the blonde-haired lady replied. "He may regain complete use of his leg, but he may not."
"I see," Gendo responded. "So he is no longer viable as the fourth?" he asked. It was obvious to Akagi that that was his only concern.
"No sir."
"Very well. Have all of his data erased," the commander ordered. "As soon as it is possible, have him transferred to the civilian hospital."
"And his sister?" Ritsuko asked.
"Leave her where she is, for now," he replied. "That was after all part of our agreement." Ritsuko was certain the commander planned to use her to keep the boy silent on any classified material he had had access to.
"Yes sir," she replied automatically. "Will he have access to her?"
"Of course," Gendo told her. "We wouldn't want to appear to be hiding anything, now would we?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at her.
"Understood."
"Now, back to the Angel's remains," he said, returning to his seat. "There was something very specific I wished for you to look for."
--------------
"So, another Eva has been lost?" Chairman Keele asked. His voice echoed through the dark chamber, and his tone made his displeasure clear. The other four members of the meeting looked as unhappy as the chairman sounded.
"Correct," Commander Ikari replied calmly. "Evangelion Unit 03 was destroyed. As it had been taken over by the thirteenth Angel, there was no other option."
"I understand you had some discipline troubles during the battle," Yellow remarked. His posture appeared casual, but Ikari could feel his distaste for him.
"The pilots of Units 01 and 02 chose to disregard my orders," Gendo told him. "They viewed the safety of the pilot of Unit 03 as a priority. I did not."
"Still, to have two pilots disobeying your commands is not a matter to be ignored," Blue commented, his forearms crossed as they rested on the table.
"They have received the relevant punishment for their insurgence," Ikari informed the committee. "It will not happen again."
"See that it doesn't Ikari," Red told him, his arms crossed. "We cannot allow the pilots to do as they wish. It could jeopardise everything we've worked for."
"I understand," the commander replied.
"That will be all," Keele said. The lights illuminating members of the committee disappeared, leaving Gendo alone in the darkness.
--------------
"How are you feeling Rei?" Misato asked the blue-haired first-child. The major had been looking for her, concerned for her well being after hearing that she had been injured during the last battle. She finally found her in the cage where Unit 00 was being repaired. As was usual, she was wearing her school uniform. The three children had been called in for a synch-test, which would be starting within the hour.
"I will be fine," Ayanami replied softly. The bandage on her right forearm was clearly visible; the one on her left shoulder was hidden under her blouse. She looked at the major. "How is Suzuhara?"
"Not too good," Katsuragi told her, looking at the girl. The major had been caught off-guard by her question. "He suffered some nerve damage to his left leg. They're not sure how extensive though."
"Will he recover?" Rei enquired.
"I wish I knew," the major sighed.
"I see," the first-child replied and returned her attention to her Eva. "I must prepare for the harmonics test," she added and walked away, leaving Misato alone with her thoughts.
--------------
"Again?" Makato asked Ibuki. The three technicians had been discussing the last battle and Maya had mentioned how her nights had been filled with the images that had assaulted her during the incident.
"Yes," she sighed, swivelling around in her chair to face the bespectacled technician. "I dreamt about it again last night." She shook her head, as the image of Evangelion Unit 01 gutting the thirteenth Angel appeared in her mind. "I just can't believe it."
"I know how you feel," Makato told softly. "I still find it had to believe." He shook his head in disbelief. "I didn't think Shinji was capable of anything like that."
"Guess we don't know him as well as we thought," Shigeru commented, looking away from his console.
"I wonder how Major Katsuragi feels about it?" Hyugo mused. The longhaired technician looked at his colleague and smiled to himself.
"I just want to know what caused Shinji to react like that," Lieutenant Ibuki related. Before either of the others could respond, emergency sirens began to sound. The three quickly returned their attention to their respective consoles.
"Dammit! Not another one!" Makato cried as he interpreted the data that his display showed him.
"All personnel go to first stage battle stations," a voice announced over the base intercom system. "Prepare for ground-to-air intercept." Commander's Ikari and Fuyutski entered the command centre and took their usual positions.
"What's the target's status?" Fuyutski asked.
"It's broken through our perimeter," Shigeru Aoba informed his superior. "The Komagatake Defence Line has been shattered."
--------------
Above ground, a desperate battle was being waged as the UN forces present attempted to halt the progress of the Angel. It was floating high above the surface of the city, being struck by missiles from all sides. Despite the fact that its AT Field was inactive, the impacts from the weapons were having no effect.
Its skull-like face stared intently at the ground and its eyes flared. There was an explosion at the point it had been staring at, and the residual energy from the blast took the shape of a cross, rising higher than any building in the city.
--------------
"The first eighteen layers of armour have been breached!?" someone yelled as the damage from the explosion was identified by the Magi.
"I don't believe it," Makato responded. "Eighteen layers destroyed in one shot!" Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi ran into the room from the door behind him. They stopped a short distance behind him.
"The Eva's can't deploy fast enough to intercept up top," Misato said. "Pilot status?" she asked, looking at Maya.
"Shinji and Asuka are entering their entry plugs," Ibuki replied.
"What's the status of Unit 00?" the major asked.
"Unit 00 is in the AT Field Neutralisation Zone," the lieutenant answered.
"But the left arm still hasn't been regenerated," Ritsuko added, looking at her friend.
"Then it's not ready for combat yet," the major muttered, head down as she mulled over her options. She looked up again. "Position Unit 02 for combat inside the Geo Front, directly in front of headquarters."
"Launching Unit 02," Makato announced as the red Evangelion was propelled towards the surface.
"Asuka, you're the best marksmen we've got," Misato told the redhead over the radio. "I want you to snipe the Angel as soon as it breaches through the Geo Front."
"Got it," Asuka's voice responded.
"What about me?" Shinji's voice asked over the intercom.
"Shinji, you're her back up," Katsuragi replied.
"Understood," the third-child said.
"Launch Unit 01," the major ordered.
--------------
Even as Major Katsuragi gave her orders and prepared their defence, the Angel continued its assault as it floated even higher than before. It had already dispatched the military vehicles that had attempted to impede its progress. Again its eyes flared. This time, four explosions occurred throughout the city.
--------------
"One more hit and the armour will be completely destroyed!" Shigeru yelled over his shoulder.
"Dammit," Misato cursed. "Eva status?"
"Units 02 and 01 are in position," Makato informed her.
--------------
"Here it comes," Asuka muttered as she watched the armour above her explode. Unit 02 held a pallet rifle in its hands, and the ground around her was littered with otheer weapons, ready for use. "Get ready," she said to Shinji over the radio. His response was merely a grunt as the boy mentally prepared himself. Unit 01 was less than twenty metres from the red Eva. The Angel began it's descent. It floated slowly down into the hollow beneath the armour plating.
Damn but that things ugly, the German thought. It had a vaguely humanoid shape and was mostly black and white, with orange patches at the hip and armpit positions. Its arms appeared to be folded up and tucked against its shoulders. That must be its core, she thought as she spotted a red globe halfway down its torso. Its face appeared to be nothing more than a hideous skull.
The moment the Angel was in the clear, Asuka began firing. The bullets found their mark, but had no effect. As soon as the rifle ran out of ammunition, she threw it to the floor and grabbed two more.
"I'm neutralising its AT Field aren't I?" the second-child asked, her worry colouring her voice as she continued to fire. "Why won't you collapse, damn you!" she yelled at it as she grabbed a pair of bazookas.
"Try to stay calm," Shinji told her over the radio. The German took a deep breath and began firing both weapons simultaneously. The shells hit the Angel, but did no damage to it. The redhead watched in surprise as the Angel unfolded its arms, which appeared to be made of nothing more than paper. Before either pilot could react, the Angel flung its arms forward. Asuka felt a searing pain in both her shoulders and screamed in agony.
Shinji could only watch in horror as the Angels arms sliced through Unit 02's shoulders. The Eva's arms flew away as the Angel began to retract its arms. A loud splash made it plain that one of the arms had landed into the lake beside headquarters. The third-child stared at the Angel for a moment, then his rage claimed him and he charged at it.
The Angel watched as the purple machine began to run towards it. Its eyes flared and the Eva was flung backwards, its chest smoking.
--------------
"Shinji! What's his status?" Misato asked as she watched Unit 01 hit the ground.
"He's unconscious," Makato told her, checking his console, "but he appears to be unhurt."
--------------
"Shinji," Asuka murmured as she watched his Eva for signs of movement. She turned to the Angel. "Sweinhund!" she screamed and ran at it.
--------------
"Asuka, no!" Misato cried as she watched the red Eva charge towards the Angel. "Disengage her nerve connections now!" she ordered. As Shigeru began type the relevant command, the Angel's left arm shot forward. Misato could only gasp it horror as the arm sliced through the Eva's neck, severing its head. "Asuka! Is she?"
"She's alive," Makato informed her. "The Angel has started moving again."
"Send Rei out in Unit 00," Commander Ikari ordered. The major and Ritsuko looked at him.
"But Unit 00 isn't ready!" Misato told him.
"Not a problem," Rei informed the major over the intercom. "I can go. If I die, I can be replaced."
--------------
Rei stared at the display of her cockpit as Unit 00 rose from the ground and the Angel came into view. She tightened her grasp on the object under her arm and began crossing the short distance between her and the enemy.
--------------
"Major, Unit 00's not carrying a rifle," Shigeru announced, checking the data he was receiving.
"What?!" Misato asked, looking over his shoulder. She looked at the main display. "Then what the hell is she carrying?" The display zoomed in on the Eva.
"That's an N2 mine!" Ritsuko cried, recognising the grey cylinder the first-child was carrying. The major looked on in shock.
"REI!" Commander Ikari shouted, his voice sounding almost worried.
--------------
The Angel turned to face the Eva and raised its AT Field. Unit 00 collided with the field, and began pushing the mine into it.
"AT Field, full power," Rei muttered, concentrating on using her own field to negate the Angel's. Slowly, the mine distorted the field and then broke through. Rei shoved it at the red globe on the Angel. Just before it impacted, a cover slid over the core. The mine impacted the protective layer and detonated.
--------------
There was silence in command as all present waited for the smoke to clear on the main display. As it did, the Angel was clearly visible, still stood where it had been moments earlier.
"Eject the entry plug," Ritsuko ordered, fearing how the Angel would retaliate.
"We can't!" Ibuki reported, typing furiously on her console. "There's too much interference." The major watched, her heart filled with dread, as the Angel's right arm shot forward, directly into the blue Eva's face.
"Rei!" Misato cried as the arm was retracted and the robot collapsed to the ground, a red liquid pouring from the wound.
"Oh my God," Dr. Akagi muttered.
"Unit 00 has been disabled," Makato reported, his voice filled with the sadness he felt.
"How's the pilot?" Fuyutski asked.
"She's alive," he replied.
"What's the status of Unit 01?" Gendo enquired, getting to his feet.
"It received some minor damage, but is still functional," Shigeru informed his superior. "But the pilot's still unconscious."
"I see," the commander commented. He was silent for a brief moment. "Shut down all Unit 01's synchronisation circuits immediately," he ordered. "Switch all control to the dummy plug system."
"But Commander, the dummy plug isn't ready yet," Dr. Akagi told him in objection. Ikari fixed her with a look that could have melted steel.
"There's no other alternative," he replied calmly. The command centre shook as the Angel unleashed another blast, this one directly at headquarters.
"Another hit like that and all the armour will be destroyed," Shigeru announced.
"Do it!" Gendo ordered. Ritsuko looked at him for a moment.
"Yes sir," she said. She turned to Maya. "Initiate the dummy system start up," the blonde-haired doctor ordered.
"But, ma'am..." Ibuki started, but the look in Akagi's eyes silenced her. "Yes ma'am." The lieutenant began entering the commands necessary into her console.
"Signal reception is green," Makato informed Dr. Akagi as the feed from the dummy system appeared on his console.
"Control system switching is complete," Maya announced. "All nerves are now linked to the dummy system."
"Engage the system," Ikari ordered, sitting back down. "Commence attack run."
--------------
Outside, the eyes of Unit 01 glowed red, and the Eva began to get to its feet. Once upright, it ran a few metres, then leapt towards its target. The Angel, sensing the movement behind itself, turned. Its eyes flared as it attempted shoot the Eva, but the blast missed, slicing through the cable connected to the robot's back.
--------------
"Umbilical cable severed," Shigeru announced. "Eva switching to auxiliary power. Less than two minutes activation time remaining."
"What?! Only two?" Misato asked, surprised.
"We haven't had time to fully recharge the Eva's internal batteries yet," Ritsuko informed her.
--------------
Unit 01 landed feet first on the Angel, slamming it to the ground. It's grabbed the Angel's arms, and putting one foot on its chest, straightened up. The Angel's paper-like arms were torn off as the Eva became upright. Unit 01 let them go and they floated gently to the ground.
It bent over again and grabbed hold of the Angel's face. It moved to one side as the eyes of its enemy flared, then it pulled. The Angel's skull-like head started to move away from its body. The Eva growled, then yanked hard, ripping the head clear from the body.
Unit 01 threw the head away, then reached from the still covered core. Its fingers managed to force the cover ajar. The Eva griped the sides of the cover and prized it completely open. Balling its fist, Unit 01 smashed it repeatedly into the red globe.
--------------
Shinji groaned as he regained consciousness. His chest burned slightly and he had a fierce headache. He put his hands to his head and rubbed his temples. A loud thumping sound assaulted his ears and he looked up, opening his eyes for the first time.
"What the..." he muttered. The cockpit was bathed in an eerie red glow. Looking to one side, he noticed the internal power countdown reach twenty seconds. The sound of an impact directly in front of him made him look at the cockpit's main display. He watched, stunned, as Unit 01's fist smashed into the Angel's core. He continued to watch as the robot hit it again, and again. Then a cracking sound could be heard as its fist hit the core once more. It looked as if the Eva was going to hit it again when the power failed.
--------------
"Unit 01 activation has terminated," Makato announced softly.
"A...Angel status?" Misato stuttered. Shigeru checked his console.
"No movement," he replied. "It's dead."
"I would say that was a successful test of the system, wouldn't you doctor?" Ikari commented. Ritsuko glared up at him. "Major Katsuragi, I'll leave you to handle the clear up operation," he said, getting to his feet. The commander walked away from the command centre, pleased with the outcome.
--------------
"How's the report coming Ritsuko?" Misato as she walked into the doctor's office. Her friend didn't look up from her computer and continued typing.
"I'm almost done," she answered. Her fatigue was clearly audible in her voice.
"You okay?" the major asked, perching on the edge of Akagi's desk.
"Just a little tired," she sighed, leaning back in her chair. She threw her arms up and stretched. "Things have been pretty hectic since Unit 03..." the blonde added, trailing off and lowering her head.
"I know what you mean," Misato sighed. Ritsuko swivelled her chair round and looked at the major. Katsuragi was fingering the cast on her right arm and appeared lost in thought.
"You know," Akagi said whimsically, "it's times like these that make me wish I'd taken that post in Germany."
"What post?" Major Katsuragi asked, looking at her friend, puzzled. Before the doctor could answer, the door opened. Misato glanced over at the door and saw Shinji and Asuka walk in. "Hey, Shinji. Asuka. What's up?" she asked her charges.
"I needed to ask Dr. Akagi something," the boy replied, closing the door and walking over to the desk, Asuka a step behind him.
"What is it Shinji?" the blonde asked, feeling she knew what he wanted to know about.
"How did Unit 01 defeat the Angel?" the third-child asked. A quick glance at the redhead showed she wanted to know as well.
"How do you know it didn't go berserk like it has before?" Ritsuko asked him.
"Because when I woke up, the cockpit was filled with a red light," he replied after a moment's pause. "When it goes berserk, the lighting doesn't change." There was silence for a few moments. Growing impatient, Asuka nudged his back gently. "What happened?" Shinji asked, getting the hint.
"Do you wanna tell him, or shall I?" Misato asked the doctor.
"I will," Ritsuko replied. She looked at the two pilots. "Unit 01 defeated the Angel because of the dummy system," she informed them.
"What the heck's a 'dummy system'?" Asuka asked, baffled.
"It's an experimental back up system," Misato explained, fingering her cast again. Seeing the girl didn't understand, the major looked at her friend.
"What do you mean?" Shinji asked, looking at the two adults in turn.
"The dummy system, and the dummy plug on which it's based," she related, "are being developed as a temporary replacement for pilots."
"Replacement?!" the German demanded, looking disgusted.
"Calm down Asuka," Misato said. "Like Ritsuko said, it's only temporary. For when you're injured, or knocked out," she added, nodding to the third-child.
"Oh," the boy responded, too stunned to say anything else. "Why haven't we been told about it?" he asked a moment later.
"It's still in the development stage," Akagi told him. "There are still a few...bugs to work out. But Commander Ikari ordered the system installed in the Eva's in case of an emergency." Against my objections, she added in her thoughts. "Speaking of the commander," she continued, "I'd better get this report finished, or he'll chew my ass off." She turned back to her computer and resumed typing. The other three occupants of the room took the hint and left.
--------------
"Hmm. So Unit 01 only just had sufficient power to defeat the Angel," Ikari commented to Ritsuko. She'd delivered the report to him, and he'd asked her to remain while he read through it.
"Yes sir," Dr. Akagi responded automatically. Although his face was the usual unreadable mask, she could tell he was not pleased. He pushed the folder away from him and rested his chin on his interlocked fingers, deep in thought.
"Have you completed the analysis on the item I asked for?" Gendo asked, surprising the doctor with his sudden change in topic.
"Yes sir. It received some minor damage," she informed her superior. "Nothing that cannot be repaired."
"Good. Then proceed as we discussed," he ordered her.
"But sir, the committee..." she objected.
"I will deal with them," the commander informed her. "How long will the operation take?"
"Approximately thirty days," the blonde-haired doctor responded. "It could take longer. It all depends on the level of damage Unit 01 received during the last battle."
"Then I suggest you proceed," Ikari replied. "I want constant updates." Dr. Akagi nodded and left his office, a feeling of dread filling her heart.
--------------
Major Katsuragi watched as the test plugs were lowered and the harmonics test began. It was now three days after the Angel had attacked, and things were beginning to return to normal at headquarters. Repairs to the Geo Front were almost complete, and the reconstruction of the city was well underway. To her left, Dr. Akagi issued the usual commands to Lieutenant Ibuki. Makato Aoba was sat at the console to Misato's right. The major looked over at Ritsuko, who was busy looking over Maya's shoulder. It's now or never, she thought, fingering the cast on her injured arm and taking a deep breath.
"So, Ritsuko," she said, sounding a lot more cheerful than she felt, "what's going on with Unit 01?" Misato had passed the Eva's cage earlier and had been amazed by the amount of activity. The chest and torso armour had been in the process of being removed. Akagi froze for a moment.
"Nothing much," the doctor replied calmly. "The commander ordered me to install some new components we recently gained possession of," she added, having quickly thought of an excuse. Maya looked up at her superior, but kept her silence.
"I haven't heard anything about it," Katsuragi commented.
"He only ordered it a couple of hours ago," Ritsuko lied. "I thought you'd already been told," she added, making it sound as if she were surprised.
"No," Misato replied, making it perfectly clear how upset she was about not being informed. "How long is it going to take?" she asked, sighing.
"About thirty days."
"Thirty days?!" the major gasped.
"Uh huh," the blonde responded, standing up straight and picking a clipboard up from the console. "They have to implanted deep in the torso, and some of the existing components need to be reconfigured. There's also a lot of tests that need to be run in order to ensure they're working properly."
"What the hell are we supposed to do if an Angel attacks?" Misato demanded.
"Don't worry about it, we'll be fine," Akagi told her, writing notes on the board. "Unit 00 will be ready by tomorrow, and Unit 02 by the end of the week."
"I hope your right," the major replied, worried. She shook her head and looked at the observation window. "How are they doing?" she inquired, changing the subject.
"Rei and Asuka have both increased their synch-ratios," Maya informed her. "Rei is up by four points, Asuka by six."
"And Shinji?"
"He's managed to stabilise," Ritsuko replied, alleviating the major's fears. "I guess he got over what ever it was that was bothering him."
"I'm glad," Katsuragi muttered absently.
"While we're on the subject of the pilots," Akagi said, looking at her friend, "you should know that the fourth-child is no longer able to pilot, due to his injuries."
"I had a feeling he wouldn't be," Misato replied quietly, walking forward so she was right in front of the observation window.
"Commander Ikari wants him moved from the infirmary as soon as possible," the doctor informed her. "He's to be transferred to the general hospital."
"When?" the major asked.
"A few days at least," Ritsuko answered. "It's not safe to move him yet. As soon as it is..."
"I get it," she sighed. Beyond the window, the test plugs were raised as the harmonics test came to an end.
--------------
"Welcome home Misato," Shinji said in greeting three days later, as his guardian entered the apartment. He was sat at the kitchen table, his cello in its case next to him. He'd just spent the last hour and a half practising a new piece, one he intended to play for Asuka once he'd managed to get it right.
"Hi Shinji," she responded absently. "Is Asuka in?"
"No," the boy replied, shaking his head. "She said she was going to go shopping with Hikari," he related. The major grimaced when she heard this; when Asuka went shopping, she generally complained about her lack of closet space when she got back. She quickly changed and joined him in the kitchen, taking a can of beer from the fridge.
"Is...is it true that Toji's being moved?" Shinji asked as she took a swig. She nodded as she swallowed.
"Uh huh," she said, putting her can on the table. "Because of his injuries, he's no longer able to pilot," she went on, softening her voice. "Not that I think he'd want to," she muttered under her breath. "So the commander's ordered him moved to the main Tokyo-3 general hospital."
"Oh," the third-child replied, lowering his head. "When?"
"I think Ritsuko said they were planning to move him tomorrow," Katsuragi answered. She reached across the table and squeezed one of the boy's hands.
"What about his sister?" he asked, looking up.
"Honestly, I don't know," she told him. "I think they're gonna keep her where she is for now." There was a few moments silence as both of them searched for something to say.
"Misato, why was Toji selected as the fourth-child?" Shinji asked, feeling a need to know. The major sighed. This was the one question she'd been dreading.
"Why him in particular, I don't know. But, it would seem that all of the students in your class are fourth level candidates," she informed him, fingering the cast on her right arm. "I just found out myself."
"All of them?" the boy asked, he was having trouble grasping the significance of what she had just said.
"Yes," she replied. "The Marduk Institute, which is supposed to select pilots isn't real. It's just another elaborate fabrication."
"But why?" Shinji asked, looking off to his left.
"I wish I knew," she replied truthfully. "All I do know is that there's more going on at headquarters than we've been told." She picked up her can and took another drink. And I'm going to find out the truth, she swore to herself. Feeling overwhelmed, Shinji Ikari picked up his cello case and went to his room. The major watched him go, wishing there was something, anything, she could do to help him with whatever was bothering him.
Pen-Pen opened the door of his compartment and waddled out. He looked at the woman sat at the table, his head tilted to one side. After a few moments, he returned to his compartment and slid the door shut.
--------------
When Shinji entered his room, he put his cello away and put on his SDAT player. The music flowing from his headphones soothed his troubled mind as lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
I wish Asuka was here, he thought. He needed to talk to her, and keenly felt her absence. In fact, he ached anytime they were apart these days. His need to be with her had become more and more intense over the past couple of weeks, so much so that it now threatened to overwhelm him. The boy sighed and smiled, as his thoughts of Asuka brought to mind pleasant memories.
The clearest were her telling him she loved him, and their first kiss. His lips tingled as he remembered the feeling of their lips touching for the first time and he relived the surge of emotion he had felt at that moment. His fingers gently touched his lips and his smile grew larger. Despite everything that had happened with the Angel's since then, his life was more pleasant now. He silently thanked Misato for making him and Asuka face their feelings for one another.
"I just wish we didn't have to hide it," Shinji muttered sadly.
--------------
Toji looked up from the magazine he was reading at the sound of the knock. The boy was sat up in his hospital bed, with the pillow behind him for support. He watched as the door opened slowly and his bespectacled friend looked in.
"Hey, Kensuke," he called cheerfully, putting the magazine down. "How you been?" the fourth-child asked, beckoning for him to enter.
"Fine, fine," Kensuke replied sitting in the chair next to Suzuhara and pushing his glasses back into position. "What about you?" Aida asked.
"I gotta admit, I'm bored outta my mind in here," Toji answered, leaning his head back to look at the ceiling. He'd only been in the room he currently occupied a few days, but he already knew every little crack and bump on the ceiling. "I'll sure be glad when they decide to let me outta here!"
"It can't be all that bad," Aida commented. "At least you don't have to go to school!"
"To be honest, I'd rather be at school than stuck here," Suzuhara replied, looking at his friend.
"You're kidding!?"
"I wish I were!" Toji replied earnestly. "I got nothing to do here. Hikari keeps bring me the work I'm missing, but with nothing else to do, it's finished in a couple of hours." The boy restrained the impulse to smile when he mentioned the class rep's name. Her daily visits were one of the few things he enjoyed about being stuck in hospital.
"Oh," Kensuke muttered and sighed. "What was it like?" he asked after a few moments silence.
"What was what like?" Suzuhara enquired, confused by his friend's question.
"Piloting the Eva. What was it like?"
"I wish I knew!" Toji sighed.
"What do you mean?" Kensuke asked, cocking his head to one side.
"I don't remember what happened," the former fourth-child replied. "One moment they were inserting the entry plug, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up in the Nerv infirmary." He shook his head and looked down at the magazine on his lap. "They wouldn't even tell me what had happened. Misato had to tell me the next day. At least, I think she did." He rubbed his temples and then threw his head back. "I was doped up on so many painkillers everything's kind of a blur." Kensuke did his best to hide his disappointment.
"So when you getting out of here?" he asked.
"Tomorrow... I hope," Suzuhara informed him. "They want me to try walking later today. They've got this knee brace thing that they think will help me." He didn't sound to enthusiastic about the prospect.
"Ah, I'm sure you're be fine," Kensuke replied confidently. Toji just looked at him, hoping his friend was right.
--------------
"Commander," Ritsuko said to gain his attention as she walked across the chamber towards him. She needn't have bothered, her footsteps echoed through the room.
"What is it doctor?" Gendo asked, not taking his eyes off the girl floating in the tube before him. He was not pleased that she had sought him out. The sound filling the chamber had been helping him to relax from the stress of his position.
"I think that Major Katsuragi doesn't believe the cover story for Unit 01," she informed him calmly.
"Then convince her," he replied, not bothering to look at her. "I do not have time to waste on such matters."
"I doubt that is possible," Akagi related, looking at Rei. The first-child had her eyes closed as she floated in the tube and appeared at peace. Her skin appeared to have a yellowish tinge to it; a result of the LCL she was suspended in. "The best I can do is delay her discovering the truth." Ikari sighed before speaking.
"Do what you can," he told her.
"Yes sir," the doctor replied. She turned around and walked away.
--------------
Hikari Horaki frowned when she heard the sound of voices, two of which were female, as she stood at the door to Toji's room. She'd been looking forward to having him to herself again. She felt jealousy rise within her, wondering who the ladies in his room were. Despite what she had said previously, she visited him because she cared for him, but the boy seemed to be oblivious to how she felt. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Hey Toji," she called in greeting as she stepped into the room. She froze as she saw a number of nurses leaning over him, or more precisely, his left leg.
"Hey class rep," Suzuhara responded cheerfully, looking over at her.
"You shouldn't be here," one of the nurses told her, displeased at her interruption.
"That's okay," the boy informed the nurse. "She can stay."
"Are you sure?" the doctor stood to one side asked. "This is likely to be unpleasant. Possibly even a little painful." He was obviously concerned about her presence.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Toji replied.
"Very well," the doctor responded, returning his attention to the boy's leg. Hikari closed the door and walked over to the chair next to the bed.
"What's going on?" she asked, sitting down.
"Mr. Suzuhara here is about to try walking," the doctor informed her, checking something on the boy's leg. The girl looked down and saw something wrapped around his knee.
"How's that?" the other nurse asked. She had just adjusted one of the straps on the device. "Not too tight?" Toji shook his head. He shifted himself over to the edge of the bed furthest from Hikari. The two nurses wrapped his arms around their shoulders and carried him over to the corner of the room.
In it was what appeared to be two parallel bars, set about a metre apart, and about the same in height. One by one they removed his arms from their shoulders and placed his hands on the bars. For a few moments they stood by his sides as he supported his weight on his hands.
"Now put your weight on your good leg," the doctor instructed the boy. Gingerly, Toji bent his left leg and lowered his right to the ground. "No, keep your hands on the bars," the doctor added when the boy removed his hands. Suzuhara did as he was bid.
"Good, now lower your left foot," the doctor told him. Toji lowered the foot of his injured leg until it was touching the ground. "Now try shifting your weight on it." Slowly, Suzuhara leaned to his left side, transferring pressure to his damaged leg. He let out a gasp as his knee gave way beneath him, only his hands on the bars preventing him from dropping to the floor. Hikari started to get to her feet, but a look from the doctor made her stay on the chair. The two nurses helped Toji back upright.
"Try it a bit more slowly this time," the nurse on his right suggested. He nodded and began again. After a few moments, he felt the knee begin to give again and leaned back to his right.
"Just as I thought," the doctor commented. "I want you to push your left foot down as hard as you can," he instructed. Toji nodded, and gritting his teeth, began exerting pressure on the floor. Hikari had to restrain herself from running over to help him as she watched his face contort in pain. "That's enough," the doctor said just as she was about to speak up. He nodded to the nurses who picked the boy up and returned him to the bed.
"Well Doc?" Toji asked. To the girl, he sounded disappointed. He was once again lead on the bed and the nurses were removing the brace from his knee.
"I wouldn't worry young man," the doctor replied kindly. "You've already regained a level of mobility. You may find that your left leg is weaker than the right but, in time, you should be able to walk without assistance. Although I doubt you'll ever be able to run again." The nurses, having finished their task, left the room.
"Don't be concerned," the doctor added, noticing the boy's dour look. "For now, we'll get you some crutches. And you can go home." Toji perked up at this. "You'll have to come in for physio twice a week so we can get the strength back."
"Can...can he go back to school?" Hikari asked.
"I don't see why not," the doctor answered. "As long as he is excused from anything physically demanding." He turned to the boy. "You'll know when something is too strenuous. If it starts to hurt, even slightly, stop and rest. Or you risk doing further damage."
"I get it," Suzuhara said, lying back on the bed. The doctor nodded and left the room. "Finally, I can get outta this place!" Toji muttered.
"Are you okay?" Hikari asked, her concern for his wellbeing obvious from her tone. He looked over at her and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm okay," he told her. He sat upright and stretched his arms. "Guess you won't have to bring my work anymore, huh class rep?"
"I guess," she sighed, sounding disappointed at the prospect. "Has Kensuke come to see you?" she asked, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt.
"Yeah. He came this morning. He wanted to know how it felt piloting."
"That's sounds like him alright," the brunette commented, chuckling.
"I miss any more 'newly-wed' fights?" the boy asked.
" 'Newly-wed fights'? What do you mean?" the girl asked, puzzled by his question.
"You know, the 'newly-weds'. Asuka and Shinji," he replied. "I miss any more of their fights?"
"Oh," Hikari exclaimed, understanding him. "No. No, you haven't." She frowned. "Now that I think about it, it's got to be close to a couple of weeks since they last fought." She paused and looked thoughtful. "You know, they do seem to be getting along better than they used to."
"You're right," Toji responded, thinking back to the times the two pilots had visited him. "They do seem to be closer now." He burst out laughing, a strange mental image filling his mind.
"What?" Horaki inquired. He flapped his hand at her while he recomposed himself. She waited patiently for him to calm down, pleased he was happy.
"Just the thought of those two as a couple!" he replied, smiling. "Can you imagine a more mismatched pair?" The girl began to chuckle, then burst out laughing as she imagined the two pilots together.
"You know..." she commented thoughtfully after a few moments. "You may be on to something."
"Huh? Say what?!" he spluttered in shock. His face making his surprise all too clear.
"Asuka and Shinji. Strange as it may seem, I think there is something going on between the two of them," the class rep informed him.
"You gotta be kidding me!?"
"I'm serious," she replied. "They keep sneaking looks at each other at school." Toji frowned, looking down at his lap.
"I think you're on to something," he informed her, remembering something from their visits. "They've only visited me together. Never on their own. It's either both, or neither." He lay down on his bed, overwhelmed by the turn of events. "Wow. How'd've thought it. Shinji and the devil." He smiled and looked over at his visitor. "Can't see what he sees in her though," he related.
"What do you mean?" Hikari asked. "She's beautiful, lively..."
"Arrogant, self-centred, egotistical and annoying," Toji finished for her, returning his attention to the ceiling. "Besides, I don't think she's all that attractive."
"Y...you don't?" the class rep asked, a glimmer of hope filling her.
"Nah," the boy replied, apparently oblivious to her reaction.
"Wh...what do you think of Rei?"
"Ayanami? She's kinda cute I guess, in a shy kind of way," he answered. "But she's not my type," he added, still staring at the ceiling.
"Oh?" Hikari asked, wanting to know more.
"Yeah. I like them lively, but not like Asuka," the boy replied, lost in his thoughts. "And I like them to be sensitive too," he added. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine his ideal lady. "They need to care about others, genuinely. And have a great personality and a good sense of humour." His smile broadened. "Kind of like you," he muttered to himself, unaware he was actually speaking it and not thinking it. Hikari stared at him in shock; feeling like her mouth was going to hit the ground. A plan of action began to formulate in her mind. A moment later she nodded to herself.
She stood up, and holding her hair back, she leant over the boy. She stared at him for a moment, truly looking at him for the first time. His eyes twitched and, fearing he was about to open them, she closed the distance between them and kissed him, closing her eyes.
Toji's eyes snapped open as he felt an unexpected pressure on his lips and was amazed to find Hikari's face in front of him. The shock he felt quickly dissolved and he felt himself returning her kiss and enjoying it. He reached up and wrapped his hand around her head.
The girl's eyes shot open and threatened to fly out of their sockets as she felt his hand on her head. She let go of her hair and used her hands to support herself as she leaned even further into the kiss.
After what seemed to them both like an eternity, Hikari drew back, breaking the kiss. They were both silent at first, breathing heavily. Then they smiled, almost at once. Toji let his hand drop from the back of her head and took one of her hands in it and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you," he said, feeling better than he had for a long time. Her smile widened and she sat back down, keeping hold of his hand. Even though their relationship had now irrevocably changed, they sat in silence, each enjoying the others presence.
--------------
The next morning was bright and sunny, matching Suzuhara's mood perfectly. He was up early and ready in plenty of time for school. He had decided to leave earlier than he used to, to give himself plenty of time to make it. As he opened the door, he startled Hikari, who had been about to knock.
"Hikari? What are you doing here?" he asked her. He smiled to take the sting out of his words.
"I thought I'd walk you to school," she answered. "I don't think it's something you should try on your own the first time." His smile widened at her concern.
"I guess you're right," he replied, hopping through the door on his right foot and closing it behind him. He was carrying his school bag and his crutches in his hands.
"W...would you like me to...to carry your bag?" the girl asked hesitantly, clearly shy.
"Isn't it usually the guy who carries the girl's bag?" the boy asked, teasing her. She grinned back at him. "You know, it might make things easier," he added after a moment's silence. "Man, I wish I had one of those backpacks, instead of this dumb satchel." As he spoke, the class rep took his bag from his hand and he positioned the crutches under his arms. "Lead on class rep."
One bag in each hand, the brunette slowly began to walk to school, making sure he could keep up. Along the way, she asked him several times if he'd like to rest. Each time, he shook his head and assured her he was fine. About twenty-five minutes later, Toji gently lowered himself into his seat. He sighed as he stretched his left leg out in front of him.
"Thanks for the assist Hikari," he said softly, putting the crutches on the floor beside him. The girl put his bag on his desk and smiled.
"No problem," she replied. Before she could remove her hand, he covered it with one of his own. She looked at him and blushed. "Toji. What if someone sees us?" she asked quietly.
"I don't care," he replied, smiling at her. "This is our business and nobody else's." He looked around the classroom. Their positions were beginning to elicit stares from some of their classmates. If they want something to watch, he thought, then I'll give 'em something to watch. He reached up with his free hand and pulled Hikari's face down to his own.
"Wh...what are you..." she started, but didn't get the chance to finish as he pressed his lips to hers. The girl struggled for a brief moment, then relaxed and began to enjoy the kiss. She dropped her own bag on the floor and placed her now free hand on his cheek. If either of them had their eyes opened, they'd have noticed the look of shock on the faces of all those present. If they hadn't been so wrapped up in the moment, they would also have noticed the absolute silence in the room.
"I'm sure glad that Toji's back today," Shinji commented as he walked through the door into the room. Surprised by the silence, he looked around the room and froze as he saw the couple kissing.
"You would be," Asuka replied, following him in. She didn't notice him stop and walked into him. "What the hell you stop for?" she asked the boy.
"Eh... Go... Toh... Hik..." the third-child stammered. He raised his hand and pointed, having lost the power of speech. The redhead looked in the direction he indicated and gasped, feeling like she was going to pass out. Words failed her and she stood staring along with everyone else.
"Morning Asuka," Kensuke said in greeting as he entered the room. "What are you stood here f..." he trailed off, following her gaze. "Toji?!" he exclaimed.
Oblivious to all this, Toji and Hikari broke their kiss slowly. They drew back a little, opening their eyes and the boy moved his hand from the back of her head and ran his fingers down her cheek. Hikari leaned her head into the caress and closed her eyes again, enjoying the feel of his skin against hers. The sound of clapping brought them back to reality. Looking around, they found all of their classmates smiling and applauding them and the two blushed bright red.
"Well I guess this isn't going to be a secret, huh?" Toji whispered to the class rep. She nodded, dropping her hand from his cheek. He gave her other hand a brief squeeze before releasing it. "And just what in the hell are you guys all staring at?!" he asked the class. Everyone quickly found something else to do.
--------------
Over the next week, things slowly began to settle down into a routine once more. Toji made slow but steady progress in his physiotherapy sessions. The work on Unit 01 proceeded.
However, over the course of the week, Asuka began to feel jealous of Hikari. She was not jealous of the girl's love for Toji, but that the class rep could publicly show affection for the one she loved, something Asuka desired strongly.
--------------
"Hi Makato!" Major Katsuragi called. She'd been surprised to recognise the bespectacled technician leaning on the railing and staring out over the city as she'd drove past and had stopped.
"Huh? Oh, hi major," he replied flatly, looking up. He looked dreadful.
"You okay?" she asked, walking over to stand next to him.
"Yeah," Makato replied unconvincingly. He sighed and shook his head. "Just thinking," he muttered.
"About what?" the major enquired.
----FLASHBACK--------------------------
Makato had been wandering around headquarters earlier that day during one of his breaks when he'd happened upon Maya. She had been typing away at a portable console in one of the rest areas and had failed to notice him.
"...finished with the input of the data," she'd muttered to herself, "now we can get on with re-routing the power conduits." She'd sighed and shook her head. "I can't believe Dr. Akagi hasn't told anyone yet. Not that I blame her. I'm still nervous around that thing, even if I have run all the tests on it," she had continued, unaware her monologue was being overheard. She had been silent for a few moments as she checked something on her console.
"I just wish I knew what the commander was thinking when he ordered it salvaged from Unit 03," she'd commented. To Makato, it had seemed like she wasn't even aware she was speaking aloud. He'd drawn back into the shadows when she'd thrown her head back and stretched.
----END OF FLASHBACK-------------------
" 'Salvage'?" Misato asked, confused. "But I thought Unit 03 was a newer design than Unit 01."
"It is," Hyugo replied, looking at the woman stood next to him.
"But then, components from it would be incompatible with Unit 01, wouldn't they?" she enquired.
"Right. That's what's bothering me," he answered. "That, and the way Maya said she was afraid of it." He sighed and shook his head, returning his gaze to the city skyline. "And why were they playing with the power systems?" Misato frowned.
"Power systems. Salvage from Unit 03," she muttered, trying to figure out the connection. She gasped suddenly, as things began to make perfect, if terrifying, sense. "They wouldn't!" she exclaimed, looking like she was going to pass out with shock. "Not after what happened last time."
"What?!" the technician asked, puzzled.
"You don't want to know," she replied. "I've got to check something," she added, walking over to her car. "See you tomorrow," she called as she started the engine. Without looking back, she started the engine and headed back to Nerv headquarters at top speed.
--------------
Misato slammed open the door to Commander Ikari's office and stalked over to the desk, planting her left hand down on it and staring the man in the face. If it hadn't been for her right arm being injured, both hands would have been on the desk. For once, the commander was alone, and he appeared surprised by the major's entrance.
"Is there something I can do for you major?" he asked in his usual tone of voice.
"You can tell me what the hell you think you're doing!" she yelled at him. "How dare you put us all at risk like this?" she demanded.
"To what are you referring?" he enquired calmly.
"You bloody well know what I 'referring' to," she spat at him. "What the hell are you thinking? How could you, after what happened in America?"
"I do only what is necessary for our success," Ikari responded.
"By installing an S2 organ in Unit 01?!"
"Read the reports from the battles with the Angels," he instructed. "You'll notice a disturbing trend. The Eva's are constantly exhausting their power during combat. I will no longer permit that."
"But Unit 04..."
"Was lost when the S2 engine malfunctioned. Unit 01 is having an actual organ implanted. There is no danger of a repeat of the Nevada incident."
"The hell you say!" Misato exclaimed.
"A simple statement of fact," Gendo replied. "The S2 engine was made from samples taken from the fourth Angel and was obliviously faulty. The S2 organ is undamaged and, as such, completely safe." The major straightened up and folded her arms, continuing to glare at the commander.
"As Director of Operations, I should have been informed," she told him, forcing herself to speak calmly when all she wanted to do was throttle him.
"You were informed that Unit 01 was being upgraded," he told her. "You didn't need to know the specifics. Once the installation was complete, and Unit 01 was functioning properly, you would have been informed." He paused for a moment. "Do you have anything else to say?"
"No. Except that I'd like to go on record as objecting to this course of action," she informed her superior.
"Very well major. Dismissed."
--------------
"I'll get it," Shinji called as the doorbell rang. He got up and wandered over to the apartment's front door, wondering just who it was. "Rei?!" he said, surprised to see the blue-haired pilot stood outside. "What are you doing here?"
"Major Katsuragi asked me to come," the girl quietly informed the boy. He steeped aside and gestured for her enter.
"Who is it?" Asuka called from the living room.
"It's Rei," Shinji called back in response as he closed the door.
"Wondergirl?! What the hell she doing here?" the boy heard the German ask.
"I invited her," Misato replied, her voice carrying to the hallway where the first-child was removing her shoes. Shinji and Rei walked into the lounge. Asuka was still sat on the couch, watching the television and Misato was stood in the kitchen doorway. "Take a seat Rei," the major said. The first-child did as she was bid. The major picked up the television remote and turned it off.
"Hey! I was watching that," the redhead complained, turning to her guardian. Misato's serious expression caught her off-guard.
"I'm sorry," the major apologised, sitting on the couch next to her, "but this is important." She gestured for Shinji to sit down; for some strange reason he was still on his feet. The boy sat down on the floor, facing the couch.
"What is it?" Asuka enquired, her curiosity aroused by the major's tone.
"It's about Unit 01," Misato informed the three pilots. Her left hand drifted to the cast on her other arm.
"What about it?" the third-child asked, worried
"As you know, it's currently being worked on," the major began, choosing her words carefully.
"Yeah," the second-child replied. "Dr. Akagi mentioned something about installing new components."
"It's just one part that's being installed," Katsuragi told her. "And that's the problem," she added, her voice softening.
"Why? What is it?" Shinji asked.
"An S2 organ," the major announced. There was a look of shock on two of the children.
"WHAT?!" Asuka demanded.
"But... Isn't that what caused..." Shinji stammered.
"The incident in Nevada?" Misato finished for him. "In a way." She sighed heavily. Damn I wish Kaji was here, she thought. "The accident in America was caused by the experimental S2 engine," she continued. "It was built from samples taken from the fourth Angel. What they're putting in Unit 01 is an actual S2 organ, taken directly from an Angel. The thirteenth Angel, to be precise."
"The thirteenth Angel... You mean Unit 03?" Asuka asked. The major nodded.
"It's Commander Ikari's orders," she related.
"Why?" Shinji asked, surprising his guardian. She hadn't expected him to be able to speak, thinking he'd be too overcome by what he'd just learnt.
"Because the Eva's keeping running out of power during battle," Misato informed him. "He doesn't want to run the risk of it happening again."
"Oh," the boy muttered, looking down at the floor. A moment later he looked up at Asuka, feeling the need for her encouragement. Catching his glance, the German gave a barely perceptible nod. "So what happens now?" he asked.
"To be honest," the major sighed, "I don't know. Once the installation is complete, I assume they'll be testing it."
"Will...will I be involved?" the third-child asked.
"More than likely," Katsuragi informed him. She looked at Rei. "You okay?" she asked. "You haven't said anything."
"I have nothing to say," the first-child replied quietly. "If that is all," she continued, getting to her feet, "I will be going."
"Uh, yeah," the major responded, slightly stunned. "Bye." The blue-haired girl nodded and left the room. With nothing being said by the others, she could be heard putting on her shoes and leaving the apartment.
"Man! What's up with Wondergirl?" Asuka asked of no one in particular. Misato shook her head and stood up, passing the television remote to the German.
"I need a drink," she muttered, heading for the kitchen.
--------------
"Ikari, just what do you think you are doing?" Chairman Keele asked Gendo. The commander had been called to an emergency meeting of the Human Instrumentality Project committee.
"What is necessary to ensure our survival," the commander replied calmly. When he had received the summons, he had correctly guessed what was going to be discussed.
"This does not fit within our scenario," the yellow lit member told him.
"Why have you done this?" Keele enquired.
"Out of necessity," Gendo informed him. "Review the encounters with the Angels and you will notice a disturbing trend."
"And what, pray tell, is that?" Yellow asked, mocking him.
"That the Eva's have been consistently expending their power supplies during battle," Ikari replied, refusing to rise to the bait.
"That is what the auxiliary batteries are for," Blue informed him.
"The use of the auxiliary battery packs reduces the Eva's ability to manoeuvre," Gendo replied. "And it is their manoeuvrability which is key to their success."
"Nevertheless, you should have spoken to us first," Keele reprimanded him. "You are to cease the process and remove the organ immediately."
"That would be unwise," Ikari told him. "The process is more than fifty percent complete. Attempting to remove it now would be far more hazardous than continuing."
"Very well, continue. But," the chairman added, "Unit 01 is to remain in cryo-stasis pending further tests."
"I understand," Ikari replied. His image vanished from the chamber.
"It was a mistake to entrust Nerv to him," Blue commented. "Wasn't it?"
"Hmm, perhaps," Keele replied. "But he was the only one who could achieve this project's goals. Ikari, what's going on in your mind?" He shook his head and sighed.
"This is because we didn't we didn't put a bell around Ikari's neck," Red muttered.
"A bell was there, but it didn't ring," Yellow responded.
"A bell that doesn't ring has no purpose," Keele said. "We'll make sure the bell works, next time."
--------------
Toji gently kissed Hikari and ran his fingers of his left hand through her hair; his right hand held his crutches. Kensuke averted his gaze, still feeling a little uncomfortable with his friend's public displays of affection of the class rep despite over a week passing since he'd first found out. The girl wrapped her arms around his waist and leant against her boyfriend. Toji broke the kiss and, when she dropped her head, put his hand under her chin and pushed it up.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said softly, staring into her eyes. She nodded, the look in her eyes making it clear she didn't want him to leave. She removed her arms from his waist and watched him leave.
"Come on Hikari," Asuka said, nudging her. "We've got work to do," she told her friend impatiently. The brown-haired girl had clean up duty, and with Shinji at headquarters for testing in Unit 01, the German had volunteered to help her. Hikari shook her head to clear it and began working.
--------------
"I'm not going too fast am I?" Kensuke asked his friend as they walked through the streets of Tokyo-3.
"Nah," Toji replied, somewhat breathlessly. "I'd say if you were." He looked at his bespectacled friend. "There something you wanna ask?"
"Well... I was just wondering why you asked me to walk home with you?" Aida enquired. "I mean, you usually walk with Hikari, right?" Toji nodded. "And I know she's got clean up duty, but..."
"I asked you 'cause I feel safer having someone with me when I'm out these days," Suzuhara informed him. He stopped, looking down his crutches. "These things make me nervous," he added, tapping them. "And if I fell, I dunno if I could get up without help." Kensuke nodded as he took this in. He knew his friend hated admitting to any kind of weakness.
"Well, there is one thing I've been itching to ask ya," the boy in the glasses said a few moments after they'd resumed moving.
"What's that?" Toji asked.
"How'd you hook up with Hikari?"
"You know, I'm not really sure," Suzuhara admitted, frowning. "I think I made it pretty clear I liked her visits, but apart from that..." he trailed off, shrugging.
"So who made the first move?"
"She did," Toji related, thinking back. "The day I was gonna be released, she kissed me."
"Just like that?" Kensuke asked, not really believing him.
"Well, for some reason she asked me what kind of girls I liked," Toji replied, choosing to leave out how that topic had been raised. He smiled.
"What?" Aida asked, seeing his friend's grin.
"I remember thinking that I liked girls like her," he answered. "Guess I must have said it aloud without realising."
"Then what?"
"Then we kissed," Toji stated. He chuckled. "I gotta admit, I was a little surprised at first."
"Man! You get all the luck," Kensuke muttered, shaking his head. "Do you know how many guys in our class wanted to hook up with her?"
--------------
"Come on Hikari!" Asuka said rather loudly, bringing her friend out of her daydream. "Snap out of it or we'll never be done." The brunette shook her head and resumed sweeping the floor.
"Sorry Asuka," she replied, refusing to take the smile from her lips.
"You were thinking about him again, weren't you?" the German asked. Hikari nodded and leant the broom against the wall behind her.
"I just can't seem to get him out of my head," she informed her friend.
I know what that's like, the redhead thought and sighed. "Well I wish you would," she said aloud. "It's disgusting, seeing you go all gaga over him like that!" The class rep bent down with the dustpan and brush in her hands and sighed.
"I thought you'd be pleased," she told her friend.
"Don't get me wrong Hikari," the second-child replied. "I'm glad you're happy. But you could try not to space out so much?"
"I guess so," the girl in question chuckled, standing up and emptying the contents of the dustpan into the bin. "So, what else is left?" she asked, putting it down on the teachers desk.
"Just the cleaning the board and emptying the bins," the pilot replied. "I did the rest while you were off in la-la land." Hikari blushed and lowered her head, somewhat ashamed of herself.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"It's okay," Asuka replied. "I did volunteer to help after all!"
"But you shouldn't have had to do so much," Hikari protested as she began to clean the black board.
"It's nothing, really," the German assured her, sitting down at one of the desks.
"Hey, Asuka?" the class rep asked, looking over her shoulder at the redhead, who was looking out the window.
"Yeah?" she replied, turning her attention to her friend.
"How come you volunteered?"
"Well... I didn't want to walk home alone," the pilot answered, "and with Shinji at headquarters for tests in Unit 01 I didn't have much choice."
"I guess not," Hikari muttered and resumed her work. What are you hiding? she mused. Wait...the way she said his name, she thought, it's just the same way I say Toji's these days. Then... Could I be right about them? I'll ask her. She shook her head. No. She'll only deny it. I need help. I'll ask Toji, she decided.
You're so lucky Hikari, Asuka thought, unaware of what was running through her friend's mind. You get to hug and kiss him anytime you want. Me, I gotta wait until we're alone. She stared out the window again. There are times I wish I wasn't a pilot!
"There!" Hikari said, startling the redhead. "Now we just have to put this stuff back and throw out the trash," she continued, picking up the broom and dustpan and brush. The German got to her feet and picked up the bucket and cloth she'd been using and followed the class rep to the storage cupboard.
Returning to the classroom, Hikari pulled the rubbish bag out of the bin and headed for the incinerators. Asuka grabbed her and Hikari's school bags and followed her.
--------------
"I'm glad you could make it," Kaji said to Misato a few days later when she walked up to the park bench he was sat on. It was Sunday afternoon, and he'd only just got back to Tokyo-3 early that morning. "You're message sounded urgent."
"It was," the major sighed, sitting down next to him. "Do you know what's happening at headquarters?" she asked, leaning forward and resting her arms on her knees, grateful she was finally rid of the cast.
"Well, I know something's being done to Unit 01..." he replied, tipping his head backwards, "but other than that." He shrugged.
"They're...they're installing an S2 organ in it," Katsuragi informed him. His head snapped up and, for a split-second he looked completely shocked, but he covered it quickly.
"Why in the world would they do something like that?" Ryoji asked, sounding as casual as he could.
"Because the commander doesn't want the Eva's to keep running out of power during battle," Misato informed him. "He said he feels this is the safest course of action." She shook her head. "I just wish I could believe him."
"Walk with me," Kaji said, getting to his feet. The major looked up at him, and seeing the look in his eye, did so. They walked, both with their hands in their pockets; Misato's in her jacket pockets, and Kaji in his trouser pockets. "So, you think our dear Commander Ikari has an ulterior motive?" he asked after almost a minute of walking.
"Wouldn't surprise me," Misato muttered. "But what could he hope to achieve?" she mused. Kaji pulled his hands out of his pockets and grabbed her left arm. She looked him in the eye, seeing his usual playfulness and something else, something darker. "What?"
"There are more secrets buried at headquarters than you could possibly imagine," Ryoji told her. He put his right arm around her waist and began walking again, forcing her to accompany him. Realising the purpose of his actions, she fell in line with his ruse and leant into his embrace and removed her hands, slipping her arm around his waist. She felt his hand in her jacket pocket and looked at him.
"A gift," he told her, noticing her expression. "It'll point the way and open the door," he added cryptically. He removed his hand and replaced it on her hip. "Just be careful who you trust."
--------------
"You know, I'm glad Misato's out," Asuka commented as she snuggled against Shinji, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. They were sat together on the couch, The television was on, but they were too busy enjoying each other's company to pay it much attention. "We don't get nearly enough time together!" she complained.
"I know what you mean," the boy replied, nuzzling her hair. "But with what's going on with Unit 01, what else can we do?"
We could always go public, the girl thought, but she knew he'd never go for it. And Misato would flip if they did! She was about to say something when the doorbell rang. "Who could that be?" she asked.
"I'll go find out," the third-child told her, getting up. As he walked to the door, she felt her shoulders cool as the heat from his touch faded.
Shinji sighed as he walked up to the door. He hadn't wanted to move, but he knew he had to. He just hoped that whoever it was, it was someone he could get rid of quickly. He smiled ruefully and opened the door.
"Hi!" Toji and Hikari cried in unison. Shinji felt as if he was going to faint.
"Uh, hi. What...what are you doing here?" he managed to stammer.
"Oh, nothing," Toji told him. "We were out for a walk and I got tired. It was easier to come here than go home," he explained.
"Oh. Come in," the third-child said, steeping aside to allow them entry. "It's Toji and Hikari!" he called out to Asuka, closing the door.
"Hi!" Asuka greeted the two arrivals, with what Shinji knew was false cheerfulness. She wanted to be alone with him as much as he wanted to be alone with her. "How's it going?"
"Great," Toji answered, gently lowering himself onto the couch. Asuka shifted over to allow Hikari to sit next to her boyfriend. "I just needed somewhere to rest for a while," he continued, putting his crutches on the ground. "Hope we're not interrupting anything."
"Not at all," the German assured him. Except me and Shinji's quiet afternoon together, she added mentally.
"Would you like something to drink?" Shinji asked, ever the dutiful host.
"Tea please," Hikari replied.
"You got any orange juice?" Suzuhara asked.
"I think so," Ikari replied, heading to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with a tray carrying three cups of tea and one glass of orange juice. He passed the drinks out, then sat on the floor again, looking out of the window. It was quiet for a while, as the four children sipped their drinks, lost in thought.
"So, Toji," Shinji eventually said, turning to his friend. "How was physio yesterday?" he asked.
"Not too bad," Suzuhara replied. "It's getting better. I can almost put my
whole weight on my leg," he continued, proud of his progress. Hikari looked at him and smiled tenderly.
"Glad to hear it," Asuka commented. "So how much longer you gonna need those crutches?" she asked casually, brining her cup to her mouth.
"Another four weeks or so they said," Toji related as she drank. "They want to make sure it's safe."
"Well that's understandable," Shinji said. "Any word on your sister?"
"She's still at the infirmary," his friend informed him. "Actually, I was thinking about asking if they could transfer her back to the general hospital." He paused to drain the last of his juice. "It's such a pain to get through security every time I wanna go see her!"
"I'll ask Misato to see about it," the third-child told him. "I'm sure she can get it done quickly."
"Thanks Shinji," Toji said, putting his glass down on the table in front of the couch.
That's enough of that! Hikari thought. She and Toji had come to the apartment for a very specific reason, and she was tired of waiting for conversation to run out of steam.
"So, how long have you two been going out?" she asked bluntly. The two pilots looked at each other, surprised not only by the question, but also by her tone. There was silence for a few moments.
"Were not!" Asuka said, trying to sound upset.
"Yeah, right!" Toji remarked. "It's obvious, the way you two have been behaving around each other recently."
"Then I suggested you get your eyes checked!" the redhead told him sharply. "Because there's obviously something wrong with them!"
"Come on Asuka, you can tell me," Hikari said, trying to get her friend to open up.
"There...there's nothing to tell," Shinji told her.
"That's a load of bull!" Toji threw at him. "And you know it!" Before either of the two pilots could think of anything to say, the front door opened.
"I'm back," Misato called as she slid the door closed and walked into the living room. "Oh, hi guys!" the major added, seeing Toji and Hikari on the couch. She went to her room and hung her jacket on the back of her chair. She'd find somewhere to put Kaji's little 'gift' later, now she had guests to attend to.
"So, Toji, how you getting on?" she asked, opening the can of beer she'd taken from the kitchen before returning to the living room.
"Not too bad," the boy replied as she threw her head back and downed a good third of the can. "The doc's are pleased with how it's going."
"That's good to hear," she commented, leaning against the doorframe.
"Come on Toji," Hikari said, getting to her feet. "We'd best get going. You've still got homework to do, remember."
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Right. Thanks for reminding me," he replied, realising what she was up to. There was no way they were going to get anything out of Shinji and Asuka as long as Misato was around, and she didn't seem to be going anywhere. Hikari picked his crutches up and helped him to his feet.
"Thank you for the drinks Shinji," Hikari said, heading for the door. Shinji got to his feet and followed.
"We'll talk at school," Toji muttered to Shinji as he passed the boy at the door. "Bye guys!" he called aloud as he exited the apartment. The third-child closed the front door and sighed. Hikari and Toji knew. There was no getting around it. Worried, he headed to his room to think.
"So, where'd you go to in such a hurry Misato?" Asuka asked as she heard
Shinji's bedroom door close.
"To see Kaji," the major replied flatly, sitting down on the couch.
--------------
Shinji Ikari had returned to his room after eating dinner. His mind was running in circles, trying to figure out a course of action. He sighed heavily and got off his bed. Swallowing, he opened his door and walked to Asuka's room.
"Everything okay Shinji?" Misato asked, startling the boy. He looked around and saw his guardian coming out of the bathroom.
"Yeah," he replied, sounding calmer than he felt. "I just need to discuss a homework assignment with Asuka," he lied.
"Okay," the major responded, nodding. She walked past him and returned to the living room. The boy sighed as she left his sight.
"Thank God she bought it," he muttered under his breath. Steeling himself, he knocked on Asuka's door.
"Who is it?" the German asked. She sounded a little upset at the interruption.
"It's Shinji," he replied. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Well come in then," she told him. He opened the door and stepped into her bedroom. Sliding the door closed behind him, the third-child saw her lying on her bed. She was on her front, hand supporting her chin and a reading a magazine sat on her pillow. He stood there for a moment, struck dumb by how beautiful she looked.
Asuka turned around and looked at him. He looked worried about something, that was pretty obvious. But he also looked peaceful as he stared at her.
"Well?" she asked, after a short period of silence, during which the two just looked at each other.
"You are so beautiful," Shinji commented, shaking his head slightly.
"Thank you," the German responded, feeling herself blush. That was the first time he'd said that to her. "So, what did you want to discuss?"
"Toji and Hikari," the boy informed her.
"Oh," she replied, sitting up.
"They know," Shinji said.
"So it seems," Asuka commented. "But I'm sure we can come up with something to fool them." Shinji walked over and sat on her bed, head down.
"I don't want to," he sighed. "I'm sick of lying to everyone." He looked at her, staring into her bright blue eyes. "I love you Asuka, and I want to tell the whole world. I want to run through the streets, telling everyone that I am in love with Asuka Langley Sohryu." He dropped his head again.
"I know how you feel," she told him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I want everyone to know how I feel about you as well. But we can't." She pulled herself up against him and rested her head on his shoulder. "We agreed to keep it a secret."
"I know," the third-child replied. "But you told Kaji."
"No, Kaji figured it out, remember."
"So have Toji and Hikari," he pointed out. "We don't have to tell them, we just have to..." he trailed off and she sighed.
"Okay," she told him. "But, on one condition. Toji agrees not to tell Kensuke. Okay?" Shinji looked at her, surprised by her acquiescence, and nodded. The second-child stood up and picked up the phone. She dialled Hikari's number. It was answered after the fourth ring.
"Hello?" a voice said.
"Kodamo? It's Asuka. Can I speak to Hikari please?" the redhead asked.
"Sure," the eldest of the Horaki girls replied. "Toji's over, again!" she added, sounding a little put out. There was the sound of footsteps, then knocking. "Hikari! Phone call. It's Asuka." A door could be heard opening.
"Thanks Kodamo," Hikari could be heard to say, before the door was closed. "Asuka? What is it?" the class rep asked.
"There's something I wanna tell you," Asuka informed her friend, sitting down next to the boy she loved.
"Oh, what's that?" Hikari asked.
"First, I need to speak to Toji," the redhead told her.
"Okay." The phone was passed to the boy.
"Hey Asuka, what's up?" he asked cheerfully.
"Before I tell you that, I want you to promise me something?"
"What?" Toji enquired, puzzled.
"Promise me you won't tell Kensuke what I'm about to tell you, unless I say so," Asuka told him. "Got it."
"Huh? Sure, sure. I promise."
"Good. I'm not going to repeat this, so make sure Hikari can hear it," the German instructed him.
"Hey Hikari," the boy could be heard to say, "come here." There was a short pause.
"What is it Toji?" Asuka could Hikari ask.
"Just put your ear next to the phone," he told her. "Okay Asuka, go ahead." The second-child took a deep breath and sighed.
"You were right," she told them. "About Shinji and me. We ARE in love." There was a loud shriek that made her pull the phone away from her ear.
"Gimme that," the redhead heard Hikari say as she put the phone back to the side of her face. "You serious Asuka?" the class rep asked.
"Very. I love him." Asuka sighed, running her free hand through her hair. "I don't know how it happened, but I fell for him," she continued lying back on her bed. Shinji looked at her, guessing the reactions she was hearing.
"I'm glad," the class rep told her. "You guys are good for each other." There was a pause. "Huh! Okay," she said, sounding like she was holding the phone away from her. "Is Shinji there?" she asked Asuka.
"Yes he is," the second-child replied.
"Could you put him on, Toji wants to speak to him."
"Okay," the German replied. She passed the phone to the boy. "Toji wants to speak to you," she told him.
"Hello?" Shinji said, putting the phone to his ear.
"You sly dog," Toji replied. "How long this been going on for?"
"About a couple of months," the third-child informed his friend.
"You must be crazy, to fall in love with her!" Suzuhara commented.
"I guess I am," Shinji replied. "Because I do love her."
"Well, I wish you guys the best of luck," Toji told him. "Oh, and assure you're girlfriend that I'm not going to tell anyone, okay?"
"Will do," Shinji replied.
"Hikari! It's eight o'clock," the third-child heard a young voice cry.
"Okay Nozomi!" Hikari called back. "Listen Shinji, we gotta go," she told the boy, taking the phone back. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Bye," Shinji replied, and the line went dead. He got up and out the phone back on the desk. "Toji asked me to assure you he's not gonna tell anyone," he told Asuka.
"Good," the girl responded, sitting up again. She looked at her boyfriend and smiled at him. She got to her feet and walked over to him, putting her arms around his neck. "Feel better now?" she asked him softly.
"Yes," he replied, matching her tone and sliding his arms around her waist. They stared into each other eyes for a moment, then leant into one another and kissed. After a short time, they ended the kiss and rested their foreheads against one another's.
"I better go back to my room," Shinji muttered to her. "I told Misato I was going to speak to you about an assignment for school."
"Then you'd better go," Asuka told him, removing her arms from his neck. He took his arms from her waist and walked to the door. "Gute Nacht Shinji," she said as he opened her door, missing the feel of his arms already.
"Good night Asuka," he replied softly, sliding her bedroom door shut behind him.
To be continued...
Next Chapter -
Memories of the past.
=================================================================================================
Well, what do you think? Please contact me with your comments. I'll try to answer any questions in the author notes for the next chapter.
If you want to discuss something with me, please send me an e-mail. My address is CEO_Room3@Hotmail.com. I'll do my best to respond to all correspondence.
Hopefully the next chapter will be out in less than two weeks. Please be patient if it's longer. I AM going to finish this story.