-Chapter 3-
---
As usual, Shinji woke up first to prepare breakfast for his two roommates before he set off to school. He was thinking back to what happened yesterday, how he had finally admitted his feelings to Asuka, and how she had accepted them. He felt relieved, that perhaps with some luck, he might never be alone again.
Being Shinji, he was so lost in his thoughts that he failed to see as the girl in question sneaked up behind him.
Being Shinji, he couldn't help but jump and yelp in surprise as she wrapped her arms around him from behind, much the same way she had done the previous week.
"How's my Shinji this morning?" The girl whispered in to his year.
"Couldn't be better!" He replied cheerfully.
"I'm glad to hear that." She said quietly as she nuzzled against his neck.
A noise came from behind. "Ahem."
Both teens turned around and came face to face with an agitated looking Misato.
"Am I interrupting anything?" She asked sweetly.
"Actually yes." Asuka said annoyed. "Yes you are."
"Oh, I'm sorry." She sounded the complete opposite. "I guess I'm just a bit worried." Her tone was growing more and more vicious. "After all, I did find you naked in Shinji's arms yesterday."
"We told you it wasn't like that!" They both protested.
"What-ever." Misato had completely lost any interest. "Just hurry up or you'll be late for school."
Asuka glanced up at the clock on the wall.
"Crap!" She turned to Shinji. "Hurry up, or we really will be late."
"I'm almost done." He replied calmly.
---
*Classroom A2*
Shinji and Asuka walked in to the room.
The German girl surveyed the scene. Everything seemed normal. She noticed that Touji was absent and smirked. She then started looking around for the four eyed geek and found him in the back of the class, typing something in to his computer. She still hadn't thought of an appropriate way to pay him back. Shrugging and putting the though aside for later, she decided to resume the way to her seat, but along the way, she came face to face, and locked eyes with a person she hated more then any other.
"Hello, Sohryu." Sakuya smirked. "How are you doing?"
"A lot better then you will in a few seconds."
Shinji came up from behind her.
"Um, Asuka, I don't think this either time or the pl-"
"Stay out of it Shinji!" Asuka said loudly, interrupting him. "This is between me and the bitch here!"
Sakuya's eyes narrowed in to slits. "What did you call me?"
Hikari was about to intervene, but then the old Sensei walked in.
"Everyone get to your seats!" She commanded loudly.
Asuka and Sakuya glared at each other for one last time before they headed out to their seats.
"Rise!" Hikari said loudly. "Bow… now Sit!"
The class complied, and the lesson was underway. The old man shuffled about with a few papers on his desk before turning his attention to the room full of students.
"Class." The sensei began. "We will do something different today."
Everyone looked up to regard the ageing man with interest.
"Now, I take it you all know about the upcoming science exams."
The class shook their heads. The sensei sighed.
"Anyway, in preparation for these exams, the class will participate in various practical exercises in order to broaden your understanding of the course."
"You mean you won't be teaching us about the Second Impact?" One of the boys in class asked aloud.
The old man failed to pick up on the excitement in the boy's voice. "Unfortunately." He looked around the room. "I know how much you like to hear about life before the Second Impact, but that will have to wait until after the exams."
No one said anything. Most people were thinking how anyone could be as naïve as their old Sensei. He actually though people liked his ramblings?
"Getting back to the subject at hand." The old teacher continued. "The board states that each student be partnered with another, so that the number of projects can be cut in half."
The sensei looked down at a sheet he was holding.
"I will read out who's paired up with who." He looked up at the class again. "The names on the list were randomly selected, so I don't want to hear any complaining."
The sensei began to read out the pairs on the list. He soon got to the more familiar of the students.
"Rei Ayanami will be partnered with Goro."
Fancy the boy's luck.
The sensei continued. "Due to Touji Suzahara's absence, Kensuke Aida will be partnered up with Miss Sohryu."
"WHAT?!" The redhead screamed. "How can you possibly expect me to accomplish anything when partnered up with that pervert?"
"Hey!" Kensuke complained.
"Miss Sohryu, there's nothing I can do about it." The sensei said before he turned back to the list.
"And finally." He read aloud. "Mister Shinji Ikari will be partnered up with Sakuya."
Sakuya smiled. Asuka looked shell shocked.
"WHAT?!" She yelled again.
It was Sakuya who replied this time. "What's the problem Sohryu?"
"That is exactly what I'd like to know." It was the teacher that had spoken this time, his voice was filled with quiet anger.
"Huh?" Asuka looked surprised.
"Perhaps miss Sohryu, you are un-aware of the formal complaint I received about you?"
Asuka looked confused. The class fell silent, but Kensuke was smiling.
"It has come to the attention of certain individual, other then myself, that you seem to have a problem with conduct and authority." The sensei spoke as he made her way over to her desk.
Shinji was stunned. He was both confused, and worried about Asuka.
Their old teacher was now standing right in front of Asuka's desk.
"I had a discussion with the principal." He told her calmly. "We both agreed that if you continue to disrupt this class any further, you will face indefinite suspension from this school."
"B-But…" Asuka looked around the class desperately.
"I agree completely." The German girl spun around to face the source of the voice. It was Sakuya once again.
"Personally I don't feel safe around miss Sohryu and her temper."
The sensei however ignored her and made his way back to the front of the class.
"Now, abou-" He was interrupted by the ringing of the bell. "Oh well, we'll have to continue this later."
All the students started getting up to leave for their first break.
"Hey Shinji!" The boy turned to see Sakuya running to catch up with him.
"Yeah?" He was still cautious with being around this girl.
He cringed as the girl put her arm round his shoulder and started leading him out of the class.
"So, we're going to be working together, huh?"
"I-I guess so." He stammered.
"That's great!" She smiled. "I know we'll make a great team."
This display didn't go unnoticed by Asuka, and her eyes filled with intense anger and hatred as she pursued the girl that dared touch her Shinji.
"Miss Sohryu." She was stopped in her tracks and turned to face the teacher.
"Yes Sir?"
"Could you help with the cleaning chores please?"
The girl looked desperately at Shinji, who could only give her an apologetic look as Sakuya pulled him away.
"Yes sir…" She finally agreed.
The sensei walked out of the room, leaving Asuka alone with the other students who got stuck doing chores.
She won't be defeated so easily.
*******************
*Misato's office at NERV*
"Come in!" Misato said as she heard a knock on the door. It was Ritsuko.
"Hello Misato."
The NERV major looked up and smiled. "Hey Ritsu, what's up?"
"Just checking on an old friend." The blond haired doctor replied as she sat down on a chair across from Misato. "How are you doing?"
Misato sighed. "The kids are giving me trouble."
Ritsuko looked curios. "How so?" She asked.
"I caught them kissing yesterday."
"What's wrong with that?" The woman looked confused. "It's what couples do."
"The problem is:" Misato paused to add effect. "Dear Asuka, who was in Shinji's arms at the time, was totally naked."
Ritsuko gasped. "I think you really should keep a closer eye on them."
"I think you're right."
---
*Later that day, in school*
The class had been sent to the library to gather research for their task. Naturally, they were seated with their designated partners.
Asuka kept a close eye on Shinji and Sakuya, who were seated a few tables across from them. Shinji seemed genuinely absorbed in the work he was doing, Sakuya on the other hand, was doing nothing but stare at him.
Asuka's muscles tensed as she watched Sakuya whisper something in to her boyfriend's ear. 'How dare she?' She fumed quietly.
*Snap*
"Hey Devil."
"What is it Geek?"
"Do you mind? That's the 4th pencil you've snapped!" Kensuke said irritably.
The girl looked down at what remained of the pencil that was now crushed in her fist.
"Sorry." She said. "I was… distracted."
"Yeah." Kensuke turned to look at her. "If you keep that up we won't have anything to write with."
Asuka was reaching her limits. Why can't she just enjoy a normal relationship with Shinji? Why does everyone have to get in the way?
Quietly, under the pretence of reading a book, she began to formulate a plan.
---
Across the room, there sat two entirely different people.
"Will you stop staring at me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry Rei." Goro quickly turned away. "It's just… I'm finding it hard to concentrate."
Rei looked at him. "Would you like me to re-locate so you face no further difficulty?"
"No!" He replied hastily. "It's okay!"
Rei didn't say anything, so the boy though it was up to him to keep the conversation going.
"So, have you considered my offer?" He asked hopefully.
"If you are asking whether I have agreed to accompany you to a movie theatre, my answer remains the same as before."
"Oh, okay." He looked down in disappointment. "You can't blame a guy for trying." He muttered quietly.
Surprisingly, Rei commented on what he said. "No… I can't."
---
Asuka had successfully thought up a plan that would not only get rid of Kensuke, but would also insure that Sakuya doesn't get her grabby paws on Shinji.
"Kensuke?" The girl asked sweetly.
He raised an eyebrow. "What is it Devil?"
"Seems we'll be working together for the next few days, huh?"
He sighed. "Unfortunately it seems that way."
She turned to face him. "Listen Kensuke, I know you don't like me."
"Understatement of the century."
He yelped as she slapped him on the back of the head.
She got more serious. "We can't do this if we keep fighting."
He eyed her suspiciously. "Why do you care all of a sudden? What have you got planned?"
"Nothing." Her eyes betrayed but a hint of something else. "I'm just saying we'll have to reach a stage of mutual collaboration."
"That." Kensuke said. "I can agree on, but frankly I don't trust you."
"On the contrary, I will make you an offer you just can't refuse."
Both were silent for a moment.
"Ewww…" Kensuke looked suddenly repulsed. "I'm not sure I want to."
"Pervert!" She slapped him on the back of the head again. "Get your mind out of the gutter! That's not what I mean."
"Just what are you proposing then?"
Asuka motioned to the boy so he can get closer allowing her to whisper something to him. His face brightened when he fully grasped what she had told him.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"Wow!" He exclaimed.
"Keep it down will you!" She hushed.
"But this is so cool!"
*Smack*
"Okay, I'll be quiet." Kensuke finally relented.
Asuka shook her head. "Stupid Stooge."
*******************
The end of school came quickly, and all the students were shuffling about the room collecting their things so they could head back home. Asuka approached Shinji.
"Hey Shinji."
He turns and smiles. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I won't be walking home with you tonight." She said.
"Huh?" He looked disappointed. "I have to walk home alone?"
"Aww, relax. I'll make it up to you later." She smiled at him. "I promise."
Shinji sighs. "Alright." He swung his bag over his shoulder. "I'll see you later then?"
"Yeah, I'll see you at home Shinji!"
"Bye." He replied as he walked out of the room. "You too Kensuke."
"Yeah, see you later man."
Shinji walked out of the door leaving Asuka and Kensuke alone in the room with the few remaining students.
"Alright then." Said Asuka as she turned to the boy. "Follow me."
---
*Streets of Tokyo 3*
Kensuke was following closely behind Asuka as she was leading him towards the Geo-Front.
"So, you're really going to show me NERV and the Evas?" He asked excitedly.
"For the last time, YES!" She yelled at him.
"Wow! That is just so cool!" He laughed. "Maybe you really aren't so bad!"
Asuka just shook her head.
---
*Other side of Town*
"Hey, Shinji, wait up!"
He turned around and saw Sakuya sprinting towards him. She finally caught up, gasping for breath.
"Oh, Sakuya, hello." Shinji rubbed his hand on the back of his head. "What are you doing here?"
Sakuya didn't reply, but instead looked around. "Where's Asuka?"
"She'll be coming home later." Shinji replied. "I don't know where she's gone."
Sakuya beamed. "That's great!" She then put an arm around his shoulder. "So Shinji, aren't you going show me around to your apartment?"
"I thought you already knew where it was."
"Nah, I only know which building it's in!" She said waving a hand dismissively.
"Hold on." Shinji stopped in his walk. "You actually want to come in to my home?"
"Yeah! We're friends right?"
"I suppose." Shinji looked at her suspiciously. "You aren't going pull anything like last time are you?"
Sakuya mock-pouted. "How could you say such a thing Shinji?"
"Alright." He submitted. "You can come over… but only for a little while."
"Great! I promise I'll behave!" She said excitedly as she pulled him in the direction of his apartment.
'I have no idea what Asuka would do if she finds her.' Shinji thought grimly to himself.
---
*Entrance to NERV HQ*
Asuka swiped her card through the reader granting access to the structure within and she entered the large base, with Kensuke still trailing behind her. He could barely contain his awe as she led him through the impressive complex.
The bespectacled boy was still un-aware that the redhead was leading him on.
As the two approached a corner Asuka stopped in her tracks and turned to Kensuke.
"You wait here for a while, I have to do something."
Leaving him standing in the corridor, Asuka took off around the corner and out of sight.
'I wonder where she's going.' Kensuke though to himself, 'Boy, I can't wait to see where they store the Evas!'
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
The door opened and Shinji and Sakuya stepped in to the apartment.
"Well this is it." Shinji said.
Sakuya looked around the modestly decorated apartment. "Um, where's your bathroom?" she asked.
Shinji pointed to a door on her left. "That's it there."
She smiled. "Oh, okay." Walking towards it she said: "I'll just be a minute."
Shinji walked in to the kitchen to get a drink, but then he heard a scream coming from the bathroom.
Running in the direction of the bathroom, he saw Sakuya burst in through the door, slamming it shut behind her. She looked at him with a terrified expression.
"T-There's some sort of big bird…."
Shinji smiled in relief. "That's just Pen Pen." He told her.
She didn't look any less scared than before. "Pen-What?"
---
*NERV HQ*
Asuka approached one of the armed guards stationed at the end of every corridor.
"Help me!" She said using her best distressed/scared voice. "There's this weird pervert with glasses who followed me in to the base!"
The guard looked down at her, and after a few seconds of contemplation, he figured out who she was.
Cocking his automatic weapon he said: "Where is he?"
"He's probably spying on me from behind that corner over there." She pointed to the end of the corridor.
The guard picked up his radio and spoke in to it. "There's an intruder in the base. Security proceed to section 51-A"
"Don't shoot him!" Asuka squealed. "I hate to see people die!"
The man raised an eyebrow. "Apprehend the subject, but do not open fire." He said in to the radio.
Asuka heard the reply a second later. "Roger! Proceeding to apprehend the intruder." She sighed in relief… her plan was going perfect.
---
Kensuke was still standing in the corridor, waiting for Asuka to return.
"Where the hell is she?" He asked aloud.
*Click*
"Not in your position, that's for sure." A gruff voice replied from behind him.
The poor boy froze as he turned around to face the person who had spoken. There wasn't just one, but 4 men. All of them had automatic weapons, and were pointing them at his head.
Kensuke tried to form some coherent words, but by the time his brain resumed it's normal function he was being dragged away by two of the guards.
On the way to wherever it was they were taking him, the guards passed by Asuka. The girl stared at Kensuke's eyes, and then an evil grin formed on her face as she waved him away.
Suddenly the boy realized what was happening. "I've been set up!" He shouted. "Let me go!"
"Shut up!" One of the guards roared. "You won't be going anywhere for a very long time."
---
*Deeper within the NERV complex.*
"The assimilation is complete." Doctor Akagi stated.
Gendo smiled. "Good."
"I still find it hard to believe that the Alien technology we recovered was compatible with our own." She said.
"That is irrelevant." He said. "All that matters is the fact we managed to apply it to Unit 01."
Ritsuko nodded as she left Gendo's presence. 'The power it has…' She thought to herself. 'It's too much for us to control.'
*******************
*Katsuragi Apartment*
"You have a pet penguin?"
"Yeah, he doesn't really act like a normal pet though." Shinji mused. "He's more like a roommate then anything else."
"Oh." Sakuya was still finding it hard to grasp the concept. "I didn't know there existed such a thing as a warm water penguin."
"Neither did I… until I came here." Shinji blushed as he recalled his first encounter with the household critter. "Gave me quite a shock."
Unknown to both people currently occupying the apartment, Shinji's red headed girlfriend was making her way up in the elevator, and it wouldn't be long before she got home.
"I hope there aren't any more nasty surprises in store for me, Shinji." Sakuya grins.
"Um…I don't think so."
"Oh, okay then." Suddenly Sakuya trips and conveniently falls on to Shinji, who catches her in his arms. "Silly me… who put that shoe there?"
The boy doesn't get fooled quite so easily though. "Isn't it yours?"
The girl looks down at her feet. "It seems so." Despite this, her smile widens. "I'm so lucky to have you here to catch me in my time of need!"
"What?"
"Oh Shinji… you saved me!"
"What are you talking about?" He tried to disengage himself from Sakuya, but found her arms holding him in place. "Let me go!"
Just then…
Front door opens.
Asuka walks in.
Asuka spots Shinji down the hallway and smiles.
Asuka then notices that someone is hugging Shinji and frowns.
Asuka finally realizes who that someone is.
"YOU BITCH!"
---
*NERV Cell Block*
Kensuke was rudely shoved in to a dark cell, the door slamming shut behind him.
"Hey, let me out!" He yelled. "I haven't done anything!"
No reply.
"This sucks."
As his eyes gradually got used to the darkness in the cell, he became aware that he wasn't the only occupant.
There was a man standing across from him. Six foot three, muscular build, a tattoo of a wolf on his shoulder, a shaved head and a scar below his left eye.
As the guy gazed down at the boy, Kensuke shrank in to the far corner in fear.
---
Finding herself with no work to do, Misato headed back to her apartment. Thanks to her driving, the journey didn't take all that long, and she found herself at her apartment block in almost no time.
On the way in to the building, Misato almost bumped in to a girl around the same age as Shinji and Asuka who ran by. The Major noted that she was missing patches of hair in several places. She wasn't sure, but it looked like it had been ripped out.
---
*NERV Cell block*
As the large scary looking man began to approach Kensuke, the poor boy began to fear for his life.
"S-Stay back!" He whimpered. "Please!"
"Relax kid, I'm not going to hurt you or anything."
Kensuke looked up to see that the strange man had sat down on one of the two benches.
"So, are you going to sit down or are you going to cower in that corner like a sissy?"
Somewhat offended by that comment, Kensuke stood up and sat on the bench opposite the guy.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"My name is Jason Emery." The man answered.
"It doesn't sound Japanese." Kensuke commented.
"That's because I'm not." He said. "I'm American… although I doubt that means anything to anyone anymore…"
Kensuke just shrugged. "What are you here for?" He asked.
The man sighed. "Sorry little man, I can't tell you." He stretched his arms above his head for a few moments. "What about you?"
Kensuke rested his back against the wall as he replied. "I was set up."
The man actually laughed at this. "Set up? Man… that's harsh."
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
"Hey guys, I'm home!" Misato walks in to the apartment and goes straight in to the kitchen to get a beer.
When she enters she sees Asuka and Shinji hugging. After observing them for a few minutes she finally decides to break the silence.
"What are you guys doing?"
Asuka answers but doesn't break the hug. "I just love being close to my Shin-chan!"
Misato sweat drops as she opens her beer can.
"How was your day Misato?" This time it was Shinji that spoke.
"It was pretty boring so I came home" She answered. Glancing at her two charges again, she snapped. "Will you stop doing that?!"
"Fine, Fine." Asuka and Shinji let go of one another. "Happy now?"
Misato looked down. "Not really."
Shinji and Asuka sat at the table and looked up at Misato. "How come?" They both asked.
"I'm starting to miss Kaji." She answered, as she took her own seat.
"Where is he?" Shinji queered. "I haven't seen him in a while."
Misato sighed as she drank a bit of her can. "He's in Kyoto…" Suddenly she remembered something. "Hey, do you guys know something about a girl your age who ran out of the complex before?"
Asuka rolled her eyes innocently as she answered. "No idea."
"Shinji?" Misato prompted him.
"Um… well… you s-" He couldn't answer as Asuka began dragging him out of the kitchen, saying something about never getting any peace.
*******************
*Next day at School*
The room is full of the usual pre-class chatter. Asuka and Shinji are amongst the students exchanging gossip about recent happenings.
"Wow, really?"
"Yeah!"
"I had no idea."
All conversations ceased however, with the arrival of one of the class pupils.
The girl who had just stepped in to the room looked around at the expressions everyone wore on their face, and then cast her eyes down at her feet, no longer having to courage to face them.
"Sakuya, is that you?" Someone from the class called out.
The downcast girl muttered something under her breath but chose not look up.
Asuka couldn't contain her glee any longer and burst out laughing.
"Hey check it out everyone!" She said aloud. "Dear Sakuya has been reduced to a comb-over!"
Unable to endure any more of this, Sakuya turned on her heels with intentions to exit, but found the old Sensei at the door.
"What's going on here?" He asked. "Get to your seats everyone!"
Surrendering, Sakuya made her way over to her seat, the whispers of all those she passed following her.
The class teacher made his way over to the front desk in order to address the class.
"Today you'll just be continuing with the work you started yesterday, are there any questions?"
Asuka immediately raised her hand. "Um… yeah, my would-be partner has vanished, and I have no one to work with."
The sensei sighed. "I suppose you can join another group… or work on your own if you prefer."
"I'll join another group!" Asuka exclaimed excitedly as she stood up and pointed her finger at Shinji and Sakuya. "That one there!"
---
*NERV Control Room*
The three techs are all seated at their stations. Makoto is surveying some statistical information on his terminal; Maya is typing something to do with the Magi while Shigero continues to practice his air guitar.
Misato walks in to the room and looks around, unsurprised at the quiet mood.
"Anything new to report?"
Shigero paused in his imaginary strumming. "Not really, it's been very quiet this last week."
"Yeah." Makoto added. "The commander's been busy with one of his secret projects, so we haven't seen much of him around lately."
Misato smirked. "Is that really a bad thing?"
Maya giggle at the comment.
After the brief and happy pause, all those present returned back to their work, leaving Misato standing in the middle of the room. Her shoulders slumped, as once again she found herself with nothing to do.
"You'd think that the Director of Operations would have at least something to do…" She said irritably.
Just then, Ritsuko Akagi came up in the small elevator.
"Oh, hello Misato." She said with a slight nod.
"Hello Ritsuko, anything interesting happen lately?" Misato asked.
"No, not really." The doctor sighed as she ticked a few more of the boxes that littered her pad. "I've been busy with a few… side projects."
"Oh… that's too bad." Misato said as turned to face the holographic display. "Then again, at least you've got something to do."
A short silence followed due, until Makoto decided to speak again.
"Hey, did you guys hear about that guy who snuck in to HQ?"
Everyone looked surprised at the news.
"No, but did they catch him?" Shigero asked.
"Yeah, from what I heard," Makoto turned to face the infamous NERV major as he said the last part. "He was trailing Asuka."
Misato looked shocked for a moment. "Really?! I didn't know… I mean, she hasn't complained or said anything." Lost in thought, it was a while before she spoke again. "Where are they holding him up?"
"Sorry Major." Makoto turned back to his computer. "I don't know… you'd probably have to check with security or section 2."
"Anyway, Misato." Ritsuko looked up from her notes. "We're going to run some routine sync tests today, can you give the kids a call?"
"Sure thing!"
---
*At School*
Once again, in order to continue their work, everyone has returned to his or her pairs. In one case, however, it was a group of three. Shinji was sitting in between Asuka and Sakuya, doing his best to keep the two girls from lashing out at each other.
"Shinji, are you okay?" Sakuya asked him. "You're looking kind of tense."
Before the boy could answer, Asuka intervened by grabbing a hold of his arm and pulling him towards her. "Who the hell said it was okay for you to talk to him?"
The mood was quickly turning sour.
"I can talk to Shinji whenever I want!"
"When the hell did I say it was alright for you to use his name?!" Asuka demanded.
"I don't need your permission for anything I do!" Sakuya spat back.
"Ladies!" Shinji pleaded with them. "Can't we all just get along?"
Before either of them could retort, the ringing of a NERV standard issue mobile silenced the inevitable outbursts.
Asuka picked up her phone.
"Hello? Oh… it's you Misato. What is it? Do we have to? Albright, alright… Fine… Yeah, see you later."
She put her phone down and turned to Shinji. "We need to check in for some routine sync tests." She turned to face Rei who was now seated across the table with Goro at her side. "Did you hear that wonder girl?"
"Yes."
Asuka sighed. "Routine sync tests my ass… this stuff always pops out of the blue."
---
*Ayanami's apartment*
Rei was at school, so the other occupant of the apartment found himself stuck with nothing to do most of the day.
Cupid had taken the form of a teddy bear, in hope that he might get to cuddle with Rei in her sleep. So far, he'd had no luck.
Sighing he looked around the bare and desolate apartment. "Sure is boring around here…" Suddenly, he was struck with a thought. "Say… that ain't a half bad idea!" He said to himself. "I'm sure it will make Rei happy!"
---
*Prinbow Box*
"So, how are the pilots holding up?" Misato asked as she leaned over Maya's shoulder to examine the readings.
"Just take a look."
"Wow!" She looked up at the three simulation plugs. "They've all increased."
"That's not the only thing that's happened." Ritsuko said from behind.
"What do you mean?" Misato queered.
"Take a closer look at the readings."
Turning back to the monitor, Misato surveyed the influx of data for a few moments before she gasped.
"No way… Shinji's number one!"
"That's right." Ritsuko nodded. "He's surpassed Asuka by one point."
Activating a link between the box and the plugs, Misato spoke in to a microphone. "Hey, Shinji, did you her that? You're number one!"
He looked up in surprise. "Really… wow" He suddenly winced when he realized that Asuka must also have heard the conversation. Indeed, a moment later Misato's image was replaced with the one of the fiery redhead.
Shinji was expecting her to be angry, but in contrast, a proud smile graced her features. "Well done Shinji! I knew you could do it?"
The boy was taken aback with this. "Aren't you angry?"
"Why would I be?" Asuka said light heartedly. "Besides, a girl expects her boyfriend to be able to protect her in her time of need!"
Shinji sighed in relief. "I'm glad you see it that way."
She smiled once again before the link was severed.
*******************
********************
The Evangelions.
Humanity's ultimate weapons and the only defence against the onslaught of the Angels.
Units 00, 01 and 02 stealthily made their way around the battle ready Tokyo 3. The streets were eerily devoid of all sound, save for the low thump of the occasional gigantic footstep.
The reports of the Angel had come in on short notice, as the holy messenger had somehow slipped passed the observation centres and had made it's way in to the great city. The three Evangelions had been deployed in order to meet this new threat.
The angel did not look threatening. Although quite big in size, the three pilots had seen bigger ones. The large black and white-striped sphere glided at a snail's pace amongst the city's rooftops. It seemed un-aware of the three bionic mechas as they began to surround it from all sides, concealed buy the jungle of concrete and glass.
"This is unit 01" Shinji's voice echoed through the comm. "I'm in position." He paused for a moment. "I have a clear shot of the Angel."
"Do not engage it yet Shinji." Misato spoke in reply, "wait for the others to get in to their positions."
He fell silent and waited, but very uncharacteristically of himself; he found his patience wavering.
"Asuka, Rei, are you in your positions yet?"
"Not yet." The first child stated.
"Shinji…" Asuka sighed. "You know an Eva can't move that fast."
Turning back to the main view screen, Shinji began to flex his fist as he intensified his glare. He had a clear shot; he didn't want to miss this opportunity.
---
*FLASHBACK*
Shinji had just received the news that he had surpassed Asuka's sync ratio.
"Well done Shinji. I knew you could do it!" The German girl said calmly.
The boy was taken aback with this. "Aren't you angry?"
"Why would I be?" Asuka said light heartedly. "Besides, a girl expects her boyfriend to be able to protect her when the time comes!"
*END FLASHBACK*
---
Suddenly full of resolve, Shinji decided to strike while the opportunity still presented itself.
Willing his Eva from behind the cover of the skyscraper that was concealing it, he unloaded three high velocity shells at the Angel. Everyone gasped when the Angel vanished from sight mere meters before it was hit.
"AT Field detected!" Makoto shouted over the line. "Patter Blue! It's right underneath Unit 01!
"What?!" Shinji looked down in fright as a dark shadow enveloped him from below. "W-What is this? A shadow?!" He started firing at the dark circle, but it didn't slow it down as it consumed him.
"Shinji MOVE!" Misato yelled at him. "Get out of there now!"
Unfortunately her plea fell on death ears.
"Rei, Asuka - Rescue Unit 01, now!"
Unit 02 sprinted towards the Angel; where-as Unit 00 opened fire with the Sniper Rifle.
"It's no use!" Rei exclaimed.
By this time Unit 01 was almost fully submerged in the shadow.
"Misato! ASU-" The transmission was cut as the tip of its horn, the last part to remain visible to the outside world, was taken in to the Angel.
"NO! Shinji!" Asuka increased the pace of her run in order to get to him faster.
"Asuka, watch the Shadow!" Misato's voice brought her back to reality.
When the red haired pilot looked down she saw that streets were starting to succumb to the same darkness that had consumed Shinji.
Jumping aside, Unit 02 managed to escape the clutches of the Angel by tearing through a side street.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"Rei, keep your distance from the target!" Misato shouted as the feed from Unit 00 appeared on the screen.
None of the techs noticed as Commander Ikari silently made his way on to the bridge.
"Major Katsuragi, I believe a tactical retreat is in order."
She turned to look at him. "Sir?"
"Just follow your orders."
"Yes Sir." She muttered, and the turning to the main screen she said aloud. "Asuka, Rei, retreat to the fall back positions."
The feed from Unit 02 came in, and on the screen was the angry expression of the second child.
"Are you insane?" She questioned. "We have to save Shinji!"
"I am the one who decided what you have to do, pilot Sohryu." Said Gendo coldly. "Report back immediately."
"Screw you!" She yelled as she resumed her run.
"Cut all connection with Unit 02 and it's Pilot." Gendo said and the turned to the feed from unit 00. "Rei, retrieve Unit 02."
"Yes Sir."
The giant Red Evangelion ceased its motion mid step and tumbled forward, crashing to the ground. It wasn't long before Unit 00 came up from behind and lifted it over its shoulder.
"Damn it Rei, let me go!" Asuka shouted, but her plea never got across.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"Major Katsuragi."
"Yes Sir?"
Gendo looked back at her before stepping on to the small elevator. "I will be expecting to see you in the briefing room in 20 minutes."
She watched him as he descended out of sight, and then turned back to the holographic display that stood at the front. 'What has he got planned?' She wondered to herself.
********************
*NERV Briefing Room"
The infamous Commander Gendo Ikari, Doctor Ritsuko Akagi and Major Katsuragi stood around a large rectangular table. It was the only source of light in the room and served to illuminate their faces.
"When did we lose contact with Unit 01?" Gendo said as he re-adjusted his glasses.
"Approximately thirty minutes ago." Ritsuko replied as she studied a written report.
Misato's patience was really starting to run thin. "Sir, why did you call us here when we should be putting our resources towards getting Unit 01 and it's pilot back?"
Gendo turned to face doctor Akagi and nodded. Understanding the unspoken command, Ritsuko walked around the table to Misato and handed her a sheet of paper.
Glancing all the way down the information on the page, Misato's eyes widened as she began to comprehend what had been presented to her. On retrospect however, her surprised look turned in to a frown.
"And exactly what does this have to do with the operation?"
The Commander didn't answer, meanwhile Ritsuko handed her yet another sheet of information.
After reading it Misato looked at the commander and than at Ritsuko. "Why wasn't I told about this?"
"You would have been told once it had been put to use." Commander Ikari stated. "But it seems that with recent developments we'll have to accelerate it's completion."
"How is Shinji meant to put this to use?" Misato asked as she looked at the Commander and then at Ritsuko. "He doesn't even know about it."
"The S2 unit is remote activated." Ritsuko informed her.
Misato raised an eyebrow.
---
*NERV Employee Lounge*
Asuka and Rei were sat on a bench in one of the employee lounges scattered around HQ. Asuka kept her eyes down on the floor and Rei stared forward in to empty space.
"Pilot Sohryu?"
"…"
"I…" Rei's eyes became downcast. "I'm sorry."
Asuka finally acknowledged her. "Rei… just… shut up…" The statement seemed awfully ironic, as Rei barely spoke most of the time anyway.
The solemnly quiet mood was broken by the arrival of Misato.
"Okay you two, suit up!"
Rei stood up and faced the major. Asuka murmured something under her breath but didn't get up.
"C'mon Asuka!"
"What's the point?" She sighs. "I couldn't even save Shinji…"
"That's exactly what we're going to try and do now." Misato said, hoping to encourage the red head. "We've come up with a plan to get him back."
A moment passed before Asuka looked up at Misato. "For Shinji… I'll help."
---
*Tokyo 3 Battle Ground*
Evangelions 00 and 02 stood mere meters away from the circular shadow, which had now stopped moving and expanding. It had reached a diameter of over 600 meters, and had swallowed up a large portion of the city.
An even more peculiar thing about the scene was that Asuka's red Evangelion was holding what appeared to be a fishing rod complete with line, and some peculiar looking apparatus serving as the bait, over the Angel.
"Okay guys." Misato's voice came in through the comm. "I'm going to go over the plan one more time, just to make sure there are no more screw ups."
Asuka grumbled a bit. "Shoot."
"Asuka, using the modified line you have been issued, you will lower the transceiver in to the Dirac See from above. With that we should be able to regain contact with Unit 01."
Asuka's tired expression became more hopeful for a moment.
"What about me?" Rei asked quietly.
"Rei, you will remain on standby in case something goes wrong." Misato concluded.
"I don't need her help." Asuka stated boldly, her anger and pride re-ignited. "I can rescue Shinji all on my own!"
"No one doubts your ability Asuka." Her expression hardened. "Now, let's commence the operation!"
With that said, Evangelion unit 02 began to lower the colossal apparatus slowly in to the Angel's shadow.
---
*NERV Cell block*
Kensuke and Jason sat despondently on the bench in their cell. One of the guards who patrolled outside had been kind enough to inform them that an Angel was attacking HQ, but he had not revealed any other details about the battle, so they had no idea how it was going.
"This sucks!" Kensuke proclaimed.
The older man grunted in reply.
"The ultimate battle in the history of mankind is in the midst above us and we're locked up in this cell…"
The man grunted again.
"This sucks…"
---
*Inside the 12th*
The endless void was absent of all matter, save for the purple Evangelion that now floated aimlessly, lost without power, and without a means of escape.
Acting on his training, Shinji had switched to minimal life support mode, in hope of expanding the span of his life.
He sighed. "I never thought that doing nothing could be this exhausting…"
---
*Tokyo 3 Battle Ground*
The red Evangelion continued to lower the giant apparatus in to the angel, until the line stopped moving and she heard a click.
"This is Unit 02." Asuka said. "The line has reached its end."
"Alright." Misato replied. "Activate the transceiver."
Flicking the switch, Asuka activated the machine that was now also submerged in the Angel.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"When the link is established, I want the feed sent directly to this control room." Gendo commanded.
"Yes sir." Turning back to the main viewing screen Misato ordered the technicians to start transmitting.
Everyone held his or her breath for a few moments before Misato spoke up again. "Is there any response?"
"None yet Major." Hyuga replied.
"It's not working?" She asked.
"It's too early to say." Shigero said. "We don't know what kind of distance the signal has to travel before it reaches its target."
Just as he finished saying that, a small window opened on one of the computer screens, they had succeeded.
"Major, I think you should come to take a look at this." Maya said and Misato made her way over to the monitor.
"It's Shinji!"
"Yeah…" Maya noted the readings that were only now, starting to come through.
"What's wrong with him?" Misato asked her.
"Nothing…" Maya looked up at the major. "He's awake… he's just got his eyes closed."
Turning to Shigero, Misato asked if it was possible to speak to him.
"Yes… although there would be a 20 seconds or so delay between the time when the signal is sent and by the time it reaches its destination."
"Alright… put me through."
Shigero nodded a few seconds later, confirming that a visual audio link had been established both ways.
"Shinji." Misato began. "Can you hear me?"
---
*Unit 01's Entry plug*
Shinji was resting in his entry plug. He had pretty much lost hope of a rescue, and was now quietly recalling the more memorable events from the past month or so…
That was until he heard the sound signalling that a line of communication had been established.
"Shinji? Can you hear me?"
"Misato?"
He waited for over 40 seconds before he heard a response.
"Listen Shinji, it is difficult for us to communicate so I want you to listen to what I have to say." Her voice was firm. "There is a possibility that we might be able to get you out, but for that to work you'll need to synchronize with your Eva."
"But I'll have less than a minute of power left…"
Again, there was a timely pause before he heard Misato's voice again.
"Don't worry about that…"
"Alright… here goes…"
---
*NERV Control Room*
"The Eva's been activated!" Hyuga said aloud.
Misato looked back at Gendo who stood up and nodded to Doctor Akagi. She typed something in to a remote terminal and then took a step back, returning her attention to the main viewer.
---
*Unit 01's Entry plug*
Shinji surveyed the timer inside his Eva as the seconds ticked by. Suddenly, right before his eyes, the countdown stopped and re-sets itself to 8hours, 88minutes and 88seconds.
"What the hell?" He asks.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"It worked!" Ritsuko said facing Gendo Ikari.
"Good."
"What the hell?" Shinji's voice came in over the comm.
"Don't worry Shinji." Misato said absently as she looked back at Doctor Akagi. "What now?"
"Well you see… the Sea of Dirac that has enclosed unit 01 is basically space that exists within an inverted AT field." Ritsuko explained. "If Unit 01 raises it's own AT field from inside, it should neutralise the Angel."
"Okay!" Turning her attention back to the comm., Misato relayed the information to Shinji.
---
*Unit 01's Entry plug*
"So I should just expand my AT field?" Shinji asked, and waited patiently for a reply to come.
"Yeah, we're not sure what will happen after that but this is the best we can do."
"Here goes nothing…" He muttered as he closed his eyes and concentrated.
---
*Tokyo 3 Battle Field*
Asuka was starting to get agitated. Rei, as usual was keeping silent, so that and the fact that she had been cut off from HQ was starting to get to her.
"Rei, what's going on?" She asked annoyed. "I've been holding this damn thing for twenty minutes."
"I do not kn-" Rei didn't finish her sentence, as the ground began to shake, almost making her Eva tip over.
"What the hell?" Asuka said in disbelief, as the colossal sphere that stood before her began to vibrate and shudder. She struggled to hold on to the apparatus, and the line suddenly snapped, making it plunge fully in to the shadow.
"Scheisse!" Asuka cursed as she began to back away from the Angel.
Cracks began to form on the Angel with blood poring forth. The whole sphere was now pulsing, and the shadow itself was changing colour.
"Holy crap!" Asuka screamed, when without warning, the Angel exploded in a giant cloud of blood.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"Status Report!" Misato yelled.
"The Angel has been destroyed!"
"What about Unit 01?"
"I'm not getting any readings!" Maya exclaimed as she studied her monitor.
"AT Field detected!" Makoto yelled. "Patter Orange! It's Unit 01!"
---
As the scene of the exploding Angel began to clear, the dark outline of the massive purple Evangelion started to become visible.
Far above the city, the mistral form of cloud cupid could be seen watching over the battleground.
"Now I've found you…"
********************
The massive purple Evangelion, that now stood covered in blood, knelt down and the entry plug was ejected.
Shinji crawled out of the cockpit and looked around. He could see Units 00 and 02 close by, as well as a large gathering of military vehicles around.
A few moments later he heard the sound of cars approaching and soon after he spotted a collection of Nerv vehicles. Two jeeps pulled up in front of him followed by a van, which he though must be a medical team. He was surprised to see Misato come out from one of the large hummers.
"Shinji!" She shouted as she ran over to him. "Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine, Misato!" He struggled as she wrapped him in her old Misato brand hug.
"We were all so worried about you!"
---
Asuka watched the whole scene unfold from the main viewer of her screen.
"Hey! I should be the first one to give him a hug!" She shouted. Sadly, the only person who could hear her was the pilot of Unit 00, Rei.
"What difference would it make?" Rei asked her over the intercom.
"I knew you wouldn't understand!"
Rei didn't reply.
---
*The Commander's office.*
The second in command sat across from the supreme commander of Nerv.
"So, the S2 unit was succeful..." Fuyutsuki commented.
"Of course. Although this wasn't foretold in the scenario, there was no reason for it to fail."
"Aren't we deviating from it a little too much?" The sub commander asked.
"It shouldn't have any detrimental effects..." Gendo answered.
---
*Later on*
Shinji was sitting on one of the benches in the infirmary. He had been poked and prodded for the past hour or so, to test for any signs of contamination or influences by the Angel after being absorbed. He had checked out fine.
A nurse walked in, her face hidden behind a file she was reading. "Well, we didn't find anything wrong with you, so you're free to leave."
Shinji stood up. "Okay, thanks..." As soon as he opened the door, a hand grabbed hold of his shirt and pulled him out in to the corridor.
"Baka!"
Yep, it was Asuka.
"Hello Asuka." He said as he struggled to retain his balance. "What's up?"
She didn't answer him. Instead, she proceeded to drag him down the corridor and out of the base. She dragged him all through Tokyo 03, in to their apartment complex and up the elevator to their home.
Throwing open the door, Asuka pushed Shinji in to the front room and then threw him on to the couch.
"Asuka, will yo-" He didn't say anything else as she literally fell on top of him.
"Shut up and kiss me."
"Wah!"
---
Rei had left the Nerv HQ and was now almost at her apartment. As she approached the door she noticed something strange. All the letter that she had stuffed in her mail box were now missing, and also the door was no longer a mucky washed out colour, but instead a rather pleasant yellow.
Opening the door, she noticed a few paint tubs in the corner. As she walked deeper in to her apartment, it became apparent that the whole place had had a make-over. The walls were now sky blue, the bed had been made, and not to mention all the new furniture scattered around the place.
"What is going on?" She asked, not very loud, but not exactly quietly for Rei.
Cupid flew out from inside the bathroom. "Hi Rei!"
"What have you done to my apartment?"
"Oh, this?" He flew around in a circle. "I decided to give it a make-over."
"Bu-"
"Before you ask," He interrupted her. "I used your Nerv ID to buy the stuff over the phone. When they delivered it, I took it upon myself to sort everything out. Pretty funky, huh?"
"You used my Nerv card?" Rei asked him.
"Hey, no sweat," The cloud let out a chuckle. "You've never used it before, so why not start now?"
Rei almost, ALMOST, for the second time this week, groaned out in frustration.
"Hey, don't get so worked up!" Cupid exclaimed. "It's not healthy."
"You should have told me about this in advance." Rei said calmly, trying to control the anger that was oh so un-usual for her.
"It wouldn't be a surprise then, would it?"
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
Devising plans to fight Angels is tough. Misato wanted nothing more than to return to the place she called home, lie back on her futon, and get some well deserved rest.
It seemed that her plans for sleep would have to wait though. The first thing she saw when she walked in to the living room was...
"SHINJI! Put your shirt back on right now!"
"What shirt?" He said in a daze.
Misato yanked Asuka off of him and thrust the shirt to his face.
"Damn it Misato!" Asuka complained. "Why the hell do you keep showing up like that at the worst time?"
"Divine intervention." The older woman replied sarcastically.
Grabbing a hold of Shinji, Asuka began dragging him to the front door. "C'mon, Shinji. We'll finish this someplace else."
"Oh no you won't!" Misato yelled, but they had already exited. "Damn kids."
---
*NERV Cell block*
"So, you think the attack's over?" Kensuke asked the older man.
"Yeah... probably..."
"Damn, another historical event passed us by."
"You know, sometimes it's best to... SHUT THE HELL UP!"
"Alright... alright..." Kensuke sighed. "Man... some people..."
********************
*Streets of Tokyo 03*
Asuka was striding through the city with Shinji in tow. She was still pissed at Misato for when the older woman had interrupted her fun, but despite saying that: 'She'd Finish what she started with Shinji someplace else,' she found herself completely out of ideas now that they were out of the apartment.
Sighing she came to a standstill, and Shinji now stood beside her. "Ah, dang it..."
"You wanna go back to the apartment?"
Asuka sighed again. "Yeah... we may as well."
As the two turned to head back, Shinji spotted someone walking across from them on the other side of the road.
"Hey Asuka, isn't that Hikari?"
"Huh?" The redhead turned to see who Shinji was looking at. "Yeah, it is!" She confirmed. "I wonder where she's going though... she didn't tell me she'd be going out today."
"Maybe something popped up." Shinji thought. "Let's leave her alone."
"Shinji!" She exclaimed. "Where is your sense of fun?" Grinning she continued. "I say we followed her and see where she's going!"
"But isn't she your friend?"
"Of course, but best friends shouldn't hide things from each-other!"
Sighing in defeat, Shinji submitted to Asuka's request. "Oh alright..."
"Great!" She smiled. "Let's go!"
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
Misato sat dejectedly at her kitchen table, drinking her usual 'Yebisu.'
"Damn kids are gonna be the death of me one day..." She muttered to herself as she took another large gulp.
Just as she was about to down the last of her beer, the doorbell rang prompting her to go and investigate.
"I wonder who that could be..."
Opening the door she was startled to see a young man holding a large bouquet of roses with her name on it.
"Um... Hello?" She began.
"Hello, you must be Misato." The young man said.
"Yeah, that's me."
He presented her with the roses and she took them from him. "Are these for me?"
"Yes, from some guy called Kaji." The man explained. "I'm just delivering them."
"Oh... well thank you." She said as she tore her eyes from the flowers and smiled.
"No prob." He said as he began walking away. "Bye."
"Bye!" She said loudly as he walked in to the elevator.
Walking back to the apartment and shutting the door behind herself, Misato sat down to inspect the roses. 'This is very un-usual coming from Kaji.' She thought. 'I wish I knew what to do with them...'
---
*Outside of the Apartment Complex*
Slowly the figure of the young man who had delivered the roses began to change colour and shifted state to become a small cloud of gas. "That guy..." Cupid chuckled. "Needs all the help he can get."
---
*Streets of Tokyo 03*
"Where the hell is she going?" Asuka whispered to Shinji as they kept their distance behind Hikari.
"I'm not sure." Shinji replied. "This route does seem familiar though."
The two stayed on her tail for a few more minutes before a realization came to Shinji and he spoke again.
"I recognise this place now," He said in a hushed voice. "We're on the same road that leads to Touji's house."
"Well..." Asuka replied just as quietly. "We'll just have to follow her and see where this goes..."
Shinji nodded as they continued down the road after Asuka's friend.
"Hey, she's slowing down." Asuka said. "And it looks like she's turning in to that house over there... what do you think?" She asked him.
Shinji remained silent.
"Shinji?" She asked him again.
"...That's Touji's house." He said finally. "She's gone to visit Touji."
"What!?" Asuka raised her voice. "Why would she do that?"
"I dunno..." Shinji replied. "Printouts maybe? He has missed a lot school lately..."
"It's not that." Asuka said. "She wasn't carrying anything."
"Hmmm, I'm out of ideas." Said Shinji.
"Well, I'm going to march over there and see what's going on!" Asuka exclaimed as she started walking again..
"No!" Shinji yelped. "Don't!"
"What!?" She turned to him with a scowl. "And why not?"
"Because then she'd know that we followed her." Shinji explained. "Ask her about it some other time; I don't think she'd be happy if she knew her best friend was stalking her."
"It's not stalking Baka!" She yelled, but then her eyes softened. "Awww man... I just can't stay mad at you..." She gave him a hug. "You're right, let's wait for some other time."
Shinji sighed in relief and returned the hug. "You really gotta control that temper of yours."
"You can't ask that of me!" She protested. "It's part of my charm!"
Shinji laughed. "Yeah, I suppose it is!"
The two broke up the hug and walked away in the opposite direction from Touji's house.
---
*NERV Cell Block*
Poor Kensuke. He has learned his lesson: Never trust a girl with red hair that comes from Germany. It had been a week since he had been locked up deep within the bowels of Nerv, and he had long ago submitted himself to the fact that rescue wasn't coming.
He had to admit that he was fortunate to have company; otherwise he probably would have cracked by now. And all for what?
"Hey kid." His in-mate called out.
"Yeah?"
"Well," He began. "It's been fun."
"What?"
Just then the door to their cell opened and two Nerv guards stepped in. One of them looked at Kensuke and then at the man sitting across from him.
"Let's go." The guard said.
Jason stood up and was led outside by the guards. The door closed behind them, pitching the cell back in to darkness.
---
*Next Day - NERV HQ*
"Hello Major." Hyuga greeted Misato as she stepped in to the control room.
"Hey!" She said with a smile. "Anything interesting happening?"
"Nope."
Her smile faded. "Aww man, there's nothing to do..."
"Hmmm... what about that guy who was tailing Asuka?" Hyuga reminded her.
"Huh?" She tried to remember for a moment. "Oh yeah... I said I'd check that out, didn't I?"
"Yep."
"Alright, I'll go down to the Cell Block..." She said as she made her way over to the small elevator and descended out of sight.
---
*Some crappy part of Nerv*
Nerv is a big organization that offers many jobs. A large portion of these jobs hold exciting prospects, like piloting big robots for example.
Sadly, not everyone has it so fortunate.
These are the kind of thoughts that run through the head of every lowly tech or security guard that works on the base.
This is the tale of Bob. Bob was an ordinary man who worked an ordinary job in a not so ordinary place. Yes, Bob was one of those lowly security guards who works overtime and doesn't get paid extra (and yes, he will eventually get killed in EOE).
"Hey you." A voice came from behind him.
He turned and came face to face with a person who, like many of the other male Nerv employees, he had fantasized about.
"May I help you?" Bob asked.
"Why certainly mister… um..." The purple haired woman looked closer at his name tag. "Mister Bob..."
They were both silent for a moment. Bob was puzzled.
"Mister Bob?" Misato finally spoke up.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"That is the dumbest name I've ever heard." Misato told him plainly.
To her surprise, Mister Bob broke out in to tears. "I-I can't help it if my parents decided to give me this name." He said in between sobs.
Misato immediately felt guilty at this. "Alright, look, it's not that big a deal." She offered whist patting him on the shoulder.
'She's touching me! Yuss!' He thought triumphantly.
"Thank you." He said while wiping away the last of his tears. "So, why did you come down here?"
"Well, you guys have apparently arrested someone who had followed Asuka in to the base, so I've come down here to see this person."
"Oh yeah, he's down in block C or D or something… follow me!"
And so the two set of to find the cell in which Kensuke was being held.
Misato still had no idea that it had been Shinji's friend who had been captured and imprisoned.
---
*Suzahara residence*
"Touji… make love to me!" Hikari screamed as she pounced on top of the clueless jock…
…That is what would be happening if Touji's day dream did indeed come true. He was so absorbed in it that he failed to notice the appearance of the real Hikari at the door to his room.
"Touji… Hello?"
No response.
"Are you there?" After he failed to respond Hikari waved a hand in front of his face but still to no avail.
Hikari walked out of his room to go and find his father.
"Mister Suzahara, something is wrong with Touji!" She yelled.
"Is he spacing out again?" A reply came from a different room in the house.
"I think so!"
"Poke him with a stick!" His father yelled. "That outta bring him back. There's one to the side of his bed."
Hikari developed a large sweat-drop as she went in search of the stick she would be poking Touji with.
---
*Nerv Cell Block*
"Well, this is the cell right here." Bob said as he stopped in front of one of the many large metallic re-enforced doors.
"Open it up then." Misato said, sparing Bob a quick glance.
Bob keyed in a few buttons and the door started shuddering. A few moments later it began to open.
"Thar she is, yar."
Surprisingly enough, the door dramatically opened to reveal a… scruffy looking Kensuke.
The boy was blinded by the light coming from outside the cell so he couldn't tell that it was Misato.
"What now?" He half asked, half sighed.
"Ken?" Misato asked not really believing it. "Is that you?"
"Hey Misato." He smiled. "What brings you here?"
"What the hell are you doing here locked up in a cell?" She asked, her voice rising.
"I'm serving out my punishment!" Kensuke said somewhat proudly. "I am a prisoner of war."
"Oh brother…" Misato rolled her eyes and then turned to the guard next to her. "As of now this person is no longer a prisoner."
"Um… alright." The guard said.
"Ken." Misato said sternly. "I want you to tell me exactly why you've been locked up in this cell."
'Some heads are going to roll.' She though to herself…
---
As usual, Shinji woke up first to prepare breakfast for his two roommates before he set off to school. He was thinking back to what happened yesterday, how he had finally admitted his feelings to Asuka, and how she had accepted them. He felt relieved, that perhaps with some luck, he might never be alone again.
Being Shinji, he was so lost in his thoughts that he failed to see as the girl in question sneaked up behind him.
Being Shinji, he couldn't help but jump and yelp in surprise as she wrapped her arms around him from behind, much the same way she had done the previous week.
"How's my Shinji this morning?" The girl whispered in to his year.
"Couldn't be better!" He replied cheerfully.
"I'm glad to hear that." She said quietly as she nuzzled against his neck.
A noise came from behind. "Ahem."
Both teens turned around and came face to face with an agitated looking Misato.
"Am I interrupting anything?" She asked sweetly.
"Actually yes." Asuka said annoyed. "Yes you are."
"Oh, I'm sorry." She sounded the complete opposite. "I guess I'm just a bit worried." Her tone was growing more and more vicious. "After all, I did find you naked in Shinji's arms yesterday."
"We told you it wasn't like that!" They both protested.
"What-ever." Misato had completely lost any interest. "Just hurry up or you'll be late for school."
Asuka glanced up at the clock on the wall.
"Crap!" She turned to Shinji. "Hurry up, or we really will be late."
"I'm almost done." He replied calmly.
---
*Classroom A2*
Shinji and Asuka walked in to the room.
The German girl surveyed the scene. Everything seemed normal. She noticed that Touji was absent and smirked. She then started looking around for the four eyed geek and found him in the back of the class, typing something in to his computer. She still hadn't thought of an appropriate way to pay him back. Shrugging and putting the though aside for later, she decided to resume the way to her seat, but along the way, she came face to face, and locked eyes with a person she hated more then any other.
"Hello, Sohryu." Sakuya smirked. "How are you doing?"
"A lot better then you will in a few seconds."
Shinji came up from behind her.
"Um, Asuka, I don't think this either time or the pl-"
"Stay out of it Shinji!" Asuka said loudly, interrupting him. "This is between me and the bitch here!"
Sakuya's eyes narrowed in to slits. "What did you call me?"
Hikari was about to intervene, but then the old Sensei walked in.
"Everyone get to your seats!" She commanded loudly.
Asuka and Sakuya glared at each other for one last time before they headed out to their seats.
"Rise!" Hikari said loudly. "Bow… now Sit!"
The class complied, and the lesson was underway. The old man shuffled about with a few papers on his desk before turning his attention to the room full of students.
"Class." The sensei began. "We will do something different today."
Everyone looked up to regard the ageing man with interest.
"Now, I take it you all know about the upcoming science exams."
The class shook their heads. The sensei sighed.
"Anyway, in preparation for these exams, the class will participate in various practical exercises in order to broaden your understanding of the course."
"You mean you won't be teaching us about the Second Impact?" One of the boys in class asked aloud.
The old man failed to pick up on the excitement in the boy's voice. "Unfortunately." He looked around the room. "I know how much you like to hear about life before the Second Impact, but that will have to wait until after the exams."
No one said anything. Most people were thinking how anyone could be as naïve as their old Sensei. He actually though people liked his ramblings?
"Getting back to the subject at hand." The old teacher continued. "The board states that each student be partnered with another, so that the number of projects can be cut in half."
The sensei looked down at a sheet he was holding.
"I will read out who's paired up with who." He looked up at the class again. "The names on the list were randomly selected, so I don't want to hear any complaining."
The sensei began to read out the pairs on the list. He soon got to the more familiar of the students.
"Rei Ayanami will be partnered with Goro."
Fancy the boy's luck.
The sensei continued. "Due to Touji Suzahara's absence, Kensuke Aida will be partnered up with Miss Sohryu."
"WHAT?!" The redhead screamed. "How can you possibly expect me to accomplish anything when partnered up with that pervert?"
"Hey!" Kensuke complained.
"Miss Sohryu, there's nothing I can do about it." The sensei said before he turned back to the list.
"And finally." He read aloud. "Mister Shinji Ikari will be partnered up with Sakuya."
Sakuya smiled. Asuka looked shell shocked.
"WHAT?!" She yelled again.
It was Sakuya who replied this time. "What's the problem Sohryu?"
"That is exactly what I'd like to know." It was the teacher that had spoken this time, his voice was filled with quiet anger.
"Huh?" Asuka looked surprised.
"Perhaps miss Sohryu, you are un-aware of the formal complaint I received about you?"
Asuka looked confused. The class fell silent, but Kensuke was smiling.
"It has come to the attention of certain individual, other then myself, that you seem to have a problem with conduct and authority." The sensei spoke as he made her way over to her desk.
Shinji was stunned. He was both confused, and worried about Asuka.
Their old teacher was now standing right in front of Asuka's desk.
"I had a discussion with the principal." He told her calmly. "We both agreed that if you continue to disrupt this class any further, you will face indefinite suspension from this school."
"B-But…" Asuka looked around the class desperately.
"I agree completely." The German girl spun around to face the source of the voice. It was Sakuya once again.
"Personally I don't feel safe around miss Sohryu and her temper."
The sensei however ignored her and made his way back to the front of the class.
"Now, abou-" He was interrupted by the ringing of the bell. "Oh well, we'll have to continue this later."
All the students started getting up to leave for their first break.
"Hey Shinji!" The boy turned to see Sakuya running to catch up with him.
"Yeah?" He was still cautious with being around this girl.
He cringed as the girl put her arm round his shoulder and started leading him out of the class.
"So, we're going to be working together, huh?"
"I-I guess so." He stammered.
"That's great!" She smiled. "I know we'll make a great team."
This display didn't go unnoticed by Asuka, and her eyes filled with intense anger and hatred as she pursued the girl that dared touch her Shinji.
"Miss Sohryu." She was stopped in her tracks and turned to face the teacher.
"Yes Sir?"
"Could you help with the cleaning chores please?"
The girl looked desperately at Shinji, who could only give her an apologetic look as Sakuya pulled him away.
"Yes sir…" She finally agreed.
The sensei walked out of the room, leaving Asuka alone with the other students who got stuck doing chores.
She won't be defeated so easily.
*******************
*Misato's office at NERV*
"Come in!" Misato said as she heard a knock on the door. It was Ritsuko.
"Hello Misato."
The NERV major looked up and smiled. "Hey Ritsu, what's up?"
"Just checking on an old friend." The blond haired doctor replied as she sat down on a chair across from Misato. "How are you doing?"
Misato sighed. "The kids are giving me trouble."
Ritsuko looked curios. "How so?" She asked.
"I caught them kissing yesterday."
"What's wrong with that?" The woman looked confused. "It's what couples do."
"The problem is:" Misato paused to add effect. "Dear Asuka, who was in Shinji's arms at the time, was totally naked."
Ritsuko gasped. "I think you really should keep a closer eye on them."
"I think you're right."
---
*Later that day, in school*
The class had been sent to the library to gather research for their task. Naturally, they were seated with their designated partners.
Asuka kept a close eye on Shinji and Sakuya, who were seated a few tables across from them. Shinji seemed genuinely absorbed in the work he was doing, Sakuya on the other hand, was doing nothing but stare at him.
Asuka's muscles tensed as she watched Sakuya whisper something in to her boyfriend's ear. 'How dare she?' She fumed quietly.
*Snap*
"Hey Devil."
"What is it Geek?"
"Do you mind? That's the 4th pencil you've snapped!" Kensuke said irritably.
The girl looked down at what remained of the pencil that was now crushed in her fist.
"Sorry." She said. "I was… distracted."
"Yeah." Kensuke turned to look at her. "If you keep that up we won't have anything to write with."
Asuka was reaching her limits. Why can't she just enjoy a normal relationship with Shinji? Why does everyone have to get in the way?
Quietly, under the pretence of reading a book, she began to formulate a plan.
---
Across the room, there sat two entirely different people.
"Will you stop staring at me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry Rei." Goro quickly turned away. "It's just… I'm finding it hard to concentrate."
Rei looked at him. "Would you like me to re-locate so you face no further difficulty?"
"No!" He replied hastily. "It's okay!"
Rei didn't say anything, so the boy though it was up to him to keep the conversation going.
"So, have you considered my offer?" He asked hopefully.
"If you are asking whether I have agreed to accompany you to a movie theatre, my answer remains the same as before."
"Oh, okay." He looked down in disappointment. "You can't blame a guy for trying." He muttered quietly.
Surprisingly, Rei commented on what he said. "No… I can't."
---
Asuka had successfully thought up a plan that would not only get rid of Kensuke, but would also insure that Sakuya doesn't get her grabby paws on Shinji.
"Kensuke?" The girl asked sweetly.
He raised an eyebrow. "What is it Devil?"
"Seems we'll be working together for the next few days, huh?"
He sighed. "Unfortunately it seems that way."
She turned to face him. "Listen Kensuke, I know you don't like me."
"Understatement of the century."
He yelped as she slapped him on the back of the head.
She got more serious. "We can't do this if we keep fighting."
He eyed her suspiciously. "Why do you care all of a sudden? What have you got planned?"
"Nothing." Her eyes betrayed but a hint of something else. "I'm just saying we'll have to reach a stage of mutual collaboration."
"That." Kensuke said. "I can agree on, but frankly I don't trust you."
"On the contrary, I will make you an offer you just can't refuse."
Both were silent for a moment.
"Ewww…" Kensuke looked suddenly repulsed. "I'm not sure I want to."
"Pervert!" She slapped him on the back of the head again. "Get your mind out of the gutter! That's not what I mean."
"Just what are you proposing then?"
Asuka motioned to the boy so he can get closer allowing her to whisper something to him. His face brightened when he fully grasped what she had told him.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"Wow!" He exclaimed.
"Keep it down will you!" She hushed.
"But this is so cool!"
*Smack*
"Okay, I'll be quiet." Kensuke finally relented.
Asuka shook her head. "Stupid Stooge."
*******************
The end of school came quickly, and all the students were shuffling about the room collecting their things so they could head back home. Asuka approached Shinji.
"Hey Shinji."
He turns and smiles. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I won't be walking home with you tonight." She said.
"Huh?" He looked disappointed. "I have to walk home alone?"
"Aww, relax. I'll make it up to you later." She smiled at him. "I promise."
Shinji sighs. "Alright." He swung his bag over his shoulder. "I'll see you later then?"
"Yeah, I'll see you at home Shinji!"
"Bye." He replied as he walked out of the room. "You too Kensuke."
"Yeah, see you later man."
Shinji walked out of the door leaving Asuka and Kensuke alone in the room with the few remaining students.
"Alright then." Said Asuka as she turned to the boy. "Follow me."
---
*Streets of Tokyo 3*
Kensuke was following closely behind Asuka as she was leading him towards the Geo-Front.
"So, you're really going to show me NERV and the Evas?" He asked excitedly.
"For the last time, YES!" She yelled at him.
"Wow! That is just so cool!" He laughed. "Maybe you really aren't so bad!"
Asuka just shook her head.
---
*Other side of Town*
"Hey, Shinji, wait up!"
He turned around and saw Sakuya sprinting towards him. She finally caught up, gasping for breath.
"Oh, Sakuya, hello." Shinji rubbed his hand on the back of his head. "What are you doing here?"
Sakuya didn't reply, but instead looked around. "Where's Asuka?"
"She'll be coming home later." Shinji replied. "I don't know where she's gone."
Sakuya beamed. "That's great!" She then put an arm around his shoulder. "So Shinji, aren't you going show me around to your apartment?"
"I thought you already knew where it was."
"Nah, I only know which building it's in!" She said waving a hand dismissively.
"Hold on." Shinji stopped in his walk. "You actually want to come in to my home?"
"Yeah! We're friends right?"
"I suppose." Shinji looked at her suspiciously. "You aren't going pull anything like last time are you?"
Sakuya mock-pouted. "How could you say such a thing Shinji?"
"Alright." He submitted. "You can come over… but only for a little while."
"Great! I promise I'll behave!" She said excitedly as she pulled him in the direction of his apartment.
'I have no idea what Asuka would do if she finds her.' Shinji thought grimly to himself.
---
*Entrance to NERV HQ*
Asuka swiped her card through the reader granting access to the structure within and she entered the large base, with Kensuke still trailing behind her. He could barely contain his awe as she led him through the impressive complex.
The bespectacled boy was still un-aware that the redhead was leading him on.
As the two approached a corner Asuka stopped in her tracks and turned to Kensuke.
"You wait here for a while, I have to do something."
Leaving him standing in the corridor, Asuka took off around the corner and out of sight.
'I wonder where she's going.' Kensuke though to himself, 'Boy, I can't wait to see where they store the Evas!'
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
The door opened and Shinji and Sakuya stepped in to the apartment.
"Well this is it." Shinji said.
Sakuya looked around the modestly decorated apartment. "Um, where's your bathroom?" she asked.
Shinji pointed to a door on her left. "That's it there."
She smiled. "Oh, okay." Walking towards it she said: "I'll just be a minute."
Shinji walked in to the kitchen to get a drink, but then he heard a scream coming from the bathroom.
Running in the direction of the bathroom, he saw Sakuya burst in through the door, slamming it shut behind her. She looked at him with a terrified expression.
"T-There's some sort of big bird…."
Shinji smiled in relief. "That's just Pen Pen." He told her.
She didn't look any less scared than before. "Pen-What?"
---
*NERV HQ*
Asuka approached one of the armed guards stationed at the end of every corridor.
"Help me!" She said using her best distressed/scared voice. "There's this weird pervert with glasses who followed me in to the base!"
The guard looked down at her, and after a few seconds of contemplation, he figured out who she was.
Cocking his automatic weapon he said: "Where is he?"
"He's probably spying on me from behind that corner over there." She pointed to the end of the corridor.
The guard picked up his radio and spoke in to it. "There's an intruder in the base. Security proceed to section 51-A"
"Don't shoot him!" Asuka squealed. "I hate to see people die!"
The man raised an eyebrow. "Apprehend the subject, but do not open fire." He said in to the radio.
Asuka heard the reply a second later. "Roger! Proceeding to apprehend the intruder." She sighed in relief… her plan was going perfect.
---
Kensuke was still standing in the corridor, waiting for Asuka to return.
"Where the hell is she?" He asked aloud.
*Click*
"Not in your position, that's for sure." A gruff voice replied from behind him.
The poor boy froze as he turned around to face the person who had spoken. There wasn't just one, but 4 men. All of them had automatic weapons, and were pointing them at his head.
Kensuke tried to form some coherent words, but by the time his brain resumed it's normal function he was being dragged away by two of the guards.
On the way to wherever it was they were taking him, the guards passed by Asuka. The girl stared at Kensuke's eyes, and then an evil grin formed on her face as she waved him away.
Suddenly the boy realized what was happening. "I've been set up!" He shouted. "Let me go!"
"Shut up!" One of the guards roared. "You won't be going anywhere for a very long time."
---
*Deeper within the NERV complex.*
"The assimilation is complete." Doctor Akagi stated.
Gendo smiled. "Good."
"I still find it hard to believe that the Alien technology we recovered was compatible with our own." She said.
"That is irrelevant." He said. "All that matters is the fact we managed to apply it to Unit 01."
Ritsuko nodded as she left Gendo's presence. 'The power it has…' She thought to herself. 'It's too much for us to control.'
*******************
*Katsuragi Apartment*
"You have a pet penguin?"
"Yeah, he doesn't really act like a normal pet though." Shinji mused. "He's more like a roommate then anything else."
"Oh." Sakuya was still finding it hard to grasp the concept. "I didn't know there existed such a thing as a warm water penguin."
"Neither did I… until I came here." Shinji blushed as he recalled his first encounter with the household critter. "Gave me quite a shock."
Unknown to both people currently occupying the apartment, Shinji's red headed girlfriend was making her way up in the elevator, and it wouldn't be long before she got home.
"I hope there aren't any more nasty surprises in store for me, Shinji." Sakuya grins.
"Um…I don't think so."
"Oh, okay then." Suddenly Sakuya trips and conveniently falls on to Shinji, who catches her in his arms. "Silly me… who put that shoe there?"
The boy doesn't get fooled quite so easily though. "Isn't it yours?"
The girl looks down at her feet. "It seems so." Despite this, her smile widens. "I'm so lucky to have you here to catch me in my time of need!"
"What?"
"Oh Shinji… you saved me!"
"What are you talking about?" He tried to disengage himself from Sakuya, but found her arms holding him in place. "Let me go!"
Just then…
Front door opens.
Asuka walks in.
Asuka spots Shinji down the hallway and smiles.
Asuka then notices that someone is hugging Shinji and frowns.
Asuka finally realizes who that someone is.
"YOU BITCH!"
---
*NERV Cell Block*
Kensuke was rudely shoved in to a dark cell, the door slamming shut behind him.
"Hey, let me out!" He yelled. "I haven't done anything!"
No reply.
"This sucks."
As his eyes gradually got used to the darkness in the cell, he became aware that he wasn't the only occupant.
There was a man standing across from him. Six foot three, muscular build, a tattoo of a wolf on his shoulder, a shaved head and a scar below his left eye.
As the guy gazed down at the boy, Kensuke shrank in to the far corner in fear.
---
Finding herself with no work to do, Misato headed back to her apartment. Thanks to her driving, the journey didn't take all that long, and she found herself at her apartment block in almost no time.
On the way in to the building, Misato almost bumped in to a girl around the same age as Shinji and Asuka who ran by. The Major noted that she was missing patches of hair in several places. She wasn't sure, but it looked like it had been ripped out.
---
*NERV Cell block*
As the large scary looking man began to approach Kensuke, the poor boy began to fear for his life.
"S-Stay back!" He whimpered. "Please!"
"Relax kid, I'm not going to hurt you or anything."
Kensuke looked up to see that the strange man had sat down on one of the two benches.
"So, are you going to sit down or are you going to cower in that corner like a sissy?"
Somewhat offended by that comment, Kensuke stood up and sat on the bench opposite the guy.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"My name is Jason Emery." The man answered.
"It doesn't sound Japanese." Kensuke commented.
"That's because I'm not." He said. "I'm American… although I doubt that means anything to anyone anymore…"
Kensuke just shrugged. "What are you here for?" He asked.
The man sighed. "Sorry little man, I can't tell you." He stretched his arms above his head for a few moments. "What about you?"
Kensuke rested his back against the wall as he replied. "I was set up."
The man actually laughed at this. "Set up? Man… that's harsh."
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
"Hey guys, I'm home!" Misato walks in to the apartment and goes straight in to the kitchen to get a beer.
When she enters she sees Asuka and Shinji hugging. After observing them for a few minutes she finally decides to break the silence.
"What are you guys doing?"
Asuka answers but doesn't break the hug. "I just love being close to my Shin-chan!"
Misato sweat drops as she opens her beer can.
"How was your day Misato?" This time it was Shinji that spoke.
"It was pretty boring so I came home" She answered. Glancing at her two charges again, she snapped. "Will you stop doing that?!"
"Fine, Fine." Asuka and Shinji let go of one another. "Happy now?"
Misato looked down. "Not really."
Shinji and Asuka sat at the table and looked up at Misato. "How come?" They both asked.
"I'm starting to miss Kaji." She answered, as she took her own seat.
"Where is he?" Shinji queered. "I haven't seen him in a while."
Misato sighed as she drank a bit of her can. "He's in Kyoto…" Suddenly she remembered something. "Hey, do you guys know something about a girl your age who ran out of the complex before?"
Asuka rolled her eyes innocently as she answered. "No idea."
"Shinji?" Misato prompted him.
"Um… well… you s-" He couldn't answer as Asuka began dragging him out of the kitchen, saying something about never getting any peace.
*******************
*Next day at School*
The room is full of the usual pre-class chatter. Asuka and Shinji are amongst the students exchanging gossip about recent happenings.
"Wow, really?"
"Yeah!"
"I had no idea."
All conversations ceased however, with the arrival of one of the class pupils.
The girl who had just stepped in to the room looked around at the expressions everyone wore on their face, and then cast her eyes down at her feet, no longer having to courage to face them.
"Sakuya, is that you?" Someone from the class called out.
The downcast girl muttered something under her breath but chose not look up.
Asuka couldn't contain her glee any longer and burst out laughing.
"Hey check it out everyone!" She said aloud. "Dear Sakuya has been reduced to a comb-over!"
Unable to endure any more of this, Sakuya turned on her heels with intentions to exit, but found the old Sensei at the door.
"What's going on here?" He asked. "Get to your seats everyone!"
Surrendering, Sakuya made her way over to her seat, the whispers of all those she passed following her.
The class teacher made his way over to the front desk in order to address the class.
"Today you'll just be continuing with the work you started yesterday, are there any questions?"
Asuka immediately raised her hand. "Um… yeah, my would-be partner has vanished, and I have no one to work with."
The sensei sighed. "I suppose you can join another group… or work on your own if you prefer."
"I'll join another group!" Asuka exclaimed excitedly as she stood up and pointed her finger at Shinji and Sakuya. "That one there!"
---
*NERV Control Room*
The three techs are all seated at their stations. Makoto is surveying some statistical information on his terminal; Maya is typing something to do with the Magi while Shigero continues to practice his air guitar.
Misato walks in to the room and looks around, unsurprised at the quiet mood.
"Anything new to report?"
Shigero paused in his imaginary strumming. "Not really, it's been very quiet this last week."
"Yeah." Makoto added. "The commander's been busy with one of his secret projects, so we haven't seen much of him around lately."
Misato smirked. "Is that really a bad thing?"
Maya giggle at the comment.
After the brief and happy pause, all those present returned back to their work, leaving Misato standing in the middle of the room. Her shoulders slumped, as once again she found herself with nothing to do.
"You'd think that the Director of Operations would have at least something to do…" She said irritably.
Just then, Ritsuko Akagi came up in the small elevator.
"Oh, hello Misato." She said with a slight nod.
"Hello Ritsuko, anything interesting happen lately?" Misato asked.
"No, not really." The doctor sighed as she ticked a few more of the boxes that littered her pad. "I've been busy with a few… side projects."
"Oh… that's too bad." Misato said as turned to face the holographic display. "Then again, at least you've got something to do."
A short silence followed due, until Makoto decided to speak again.
"Hey, did you guys hear about that guy who snuck in to HQ?"
Everyone looked surprised at the news.
"No, but did they catch him?" Shigero asked.
"Yeah, from what I heard," Makoto turned to face the infamous NERV major as he said the last part. "He was trailing Asuka."
Misato looked shocked for a moment. "Really?! I didn't know… I mean, she hasn't complained or said anything." Lost in thought, it was a while before she spoke again. "Where are they holding him up?"
"Sorry Major." Makoto turned back to his computer. "I don't know… you'd probably have to check with security or section 2."
"Anyway, Misato." Ritsuko looked up from her notes. "We're going to run some routine sync tests today, can you give the kids a call?"
"Sure thing!"
---
*At School*
Once again, in order to continue their work, everyone has returned to his or her pairs. In one case, however, it was a group of three. Shinji was sitting in between Asuka and Sakuya, doing his best to keep the two girls from lashing out at each other.
"Shinji, are you okay?" Sakuya asked him. "You're looking kind of tense."
Before the boy could answer, Asuka intervened by grabbing a hold of his arm and pulling him towards her. "Who the hell said it was okay for you to talk to him?"
The mood was quickly turning sour.
"I can talk to Shinji whenever I want!"
"When the hell did I say it was alright for you to use his name?!" Asuka demanded.
"I don't need your permission for anything I do!" Sakuya spat back.
"Ladies!" Shinji pleaded with them. "Can't we all just get along?"
Before either of them could retort, the ringing of a NERV standard issue mobile silenced the inevitable outbursts.
Asuka picked up her phone.
"Hello? Oh… it's you Misato. What is it? Do we have to? Albright, alright… Fine… Yeah, see you later."
She put her phone down and turned to Shinji. "We need to check in for some routine sync tests." She turned to face Rei who was now seated across the table with Goro at her side. "Did you hear that wonder girl?"
"Yes."
Asuka sighed. "Routine sync tests my ass… this stuff always pops out of the blue."
---
*Ayanami's apartment*
Rei was at school, so the other occupant of the apartment found himself stuck with nothing to do most of the day.
Cupid had taken the form of a teddy bear, in hope that he might get to cuddle with Rei in her sleep. So far, he'd had no luck.
Sighing he looked around the bare and desolate apartment. "Sure is boring around here…" Suddenly, he was struck with a thought. "Say… that ain't a half bad idea!" He said to himself. "I'm sure it will make Rei happy!"
---
*Prinbow Box*
"So, how are the pilots holding up?" Misato asked as she leaned over Maya's shoulder to examine the readings.
"Just take a look."
"Wow!" She looked up at the three simulation plugs. "They've all increased."
"That's not the only thing that's happened." Ritsuko said from behind.
"What do you mean?" Misato queered.
"Take a closer look at the readings."
Turning back to the monitor, Misato surveyed the influx of data for a few moments before she gasped.
"No way… Shinji's number one!"
"That's right." Ritsuko nodded. "He's surpassed Asuka by one point."
Activating a link between the box and the plugs, Misato spoke in to a microphone. "Hey, Shinji, did you her that? You're number one!"
He looked up in surprise. "Really… wow" He suddenly winced when he realized that Asuka must also have heard the conversation. Indeed, a moment later Misato's image was replaced with the one of the fiery redhead.
Shinji was expecting her to be angry, but in contrast, a proud smile graced her features. "Well done Shinji! I knew you could do it?"
The boy was taken aback with this. "Aren't you angry?"
"Why would I be?" Asuka said light heartedly. "Besides, a girl expects her boyfriend to be able to protect her in her time of need!"
Shinji sighed in relief. "I'm glad you see it that way."
She smiled once again before the link was severed.
*******************
********************
The Evangelions.
Humanity's ultimate weapons and the only defence against the onslaught of the Angels.
Units 00, 01 and 02 stealthily made their way around the battle ready Tokyo 3. The streets were eerily devoid of all sound, save for the low thump of the occasional gigantic footstep.
The reports of the Angel had come in on short notice, as the holy messenger had somehow slipped passed the observation centres and had made it's way in to the great city. The three Evangelions had been deployed in order to meet this new threat.
The angel did not look threatening. Although quite big in size, the three pilots had seen bigger ones. The large black and white-striped sphere glided at a snail's pace amongst the city's rooftops. It seemed un-aware of the three bionic mechas as they began to surround it from all sides, concealed buy the jungle of concrete and glass.
"This is unit 01" Shinji's voice echoed through the comm. "I'm in position." He paused for a moment. "I have a clear shot of the Angel."
"Do not engage it yet Shinji." Misato spoke in reply, "wait for the others to get in to their positions."
He fell silent and waited, but very uncharacteristically of himself; he found his patience wavering.
"Asuka, Rei, are you in your positions yet?"
"Not yet." The first child stated.
"Shinji…" Asuka sighed. "You know an Eva can't move that fast."
Turning back to the main view screen, Shinji began to flex his fist as he intensified his glare. He had a clear shot; he didn't want to miss this opportunity.
---
*FLASHBACK*
Shinji had just received the news that he had surpassed Asuka's sync ratio.
"Well done Shinji. I knew you could do it!" The German girl said calmly.
The boy was taken aback with this. "Aren't you angry?"
"Why would I be?" Asuka said light heartedly. "Besides, a girl expects her boyfriend to be able to protect her when the time comes!"
*END FLASHBACK*
---
Suddenly full of resolve, Shinji decided to strike while the opportunity still presented itself.
Willing his Eva from behind the cover of the skyscraper that was concealing it, he unloaded three high velocity shells at the Angel. Everyone gasped when the Angel vanished from sight mere meters before it was hit.
"AT Field detected!" Makoto shouted over the line. "Patter Blue! It's right underneath Unit 01!
"What?!" Shinji looked down in fright as a dark shadow enveloped him from below. "W-What is this? A shadow?!" He started firing at the dark circle, but it didn't slow it down as it consumed him.
"Shinji MOVE!" Misato yelled at him. "Get out of there now!"
Unfortunately her plea fell on death ears.
"Rei, Asuka - Rescue Unit 01, now!"
Unit 02 sprinted towards the Angel; where-as Unit 00 opened fire with the Sniper Rifle.
"It's no use!" Rei exclaimed.
By this time Unit 01 was almost fully submerged in the shadow.
"Misato! ASU-" The transmission was cut as the tip of its horn, the last part to remain visible to the outside world, was taken in to the Angel.
"NO! Shinji!" Asuka increased the pace of her run in order to get to him faster.
"Asuka, watch the Shadow!" Misato's voice brought her back to reality.
When the red haired pilot looked down she saw that streets were starting to succumb to the same darkness that had consumed Shinji.
Jumping aside, Unit 02 managed to escape the clutches of the Angel by tearing through a side street.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"Rei, keep your distance from the target!" Misato shouted as the feed from Unit 00 appeared on the screen.
None of the techs noticed as Commander Ikari silently made his way on to the bridge.
"Major Katsuragi, I believe a tactical retreat is in order."
She turned to look at him. "Sir?"
"Just follow your orders."
"Yes Sir." She muttered, and the turning to the main screen she said aloud. "Asuka, Rei, retreat to the fall back positions."
The feed from Unit 02 came in, and on the screen was the angry expression of the second child.
"Are you insane?" She questioned. "We have to save Shinji!"
"I am the one who decided what you have to do, pilot Sohryu." Said Gendo coldly. "Report back immediately."
"Screw you!" She yelled as she resumed her run.
"Cut all connection with Unit 02 and it's Pilot." Gendo said and the turned to the feed from unit 00. "Rei, retrieve Unit 02."
"Yes Sir."
The giant Red Evangelion ceased its motion mid step and tumbled forward, crashing to the ground. It wasn't long before Unit 00 came up from behind and lifted it over its shoulder.
"Damn it Rei, let me go!" Asuka shouted, but her plea never got across.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"Major Katsuragi."
"Yes Sir?"
Gendo looked back at her before stepping on to the small elevator. "I will be expecting to see you in the briefing room in 20 minutes."
She watched him as he descended out of sight, and then turned back to the holographic display that stood at the front. 'What has he got planned?' She wondered to herself.
********************
*NERV Briefing Room"
The infamous Commander Gendo Ikari, Doctor Ritsuko Akagi and Major Katsuragi stood around a large rectangular table. It was the only source of light in the room and served to illuminate their faces.
"When did we lose contact with Unit 01?" Gendo said as he re-adjusted his glasses.
"Approximately thirty minutes ago." Ritsuko replied as she studied a written report.
Misato's patience was really starting to run thin. "Sir, why did you call us here when we should be putting our resources towards getting Unit 01 and it's pilot back?"
Gendo turned to face doctor Akagi and nodded. Understanding the unspoken command, Ritsuko walked around the table to Misato and handed her a sheet of paper.
Glancing all the way down the information on the page, Misato's eyes widened as she began to comprehend what had been presented to her. On retrospect however, her surprised look turned in to a frown.
"And exactly what does this have to do with the operation?"
The Commander didn't answer, meanwhile Ritsuko handed her yet another sheet of information.
After reading it Misato looked at the commander and than at Ritsuko. "Why wasn't I told about this?"
"You would have been told once it had been put to use." Commander Ikari stated. "But it seems that with recent developments we'll have to accelerate it's completion."
"How is Shinji meant to put this to use?" Misato asked as she looked at the Commander and then at Ritsuko. "He doesn't even know about it."
"The S2 unit is remote activated." Ritsuko informed her.
Misato raised an eyebrow.
---
*NERV Employee Lounge*
Asuka and Rei were sat on a bench in one of the employee lounges scattered around HQ. Asuka kept her eyes down on the floor and Rei stared forward in to empty space.
"Pilot Sohryu?"
"…"
"I…" Rei's eyes became downcast. "I'm sorry."
Asuka finally acknowledged her. "Rei… just… shut up…" The statement seemed awfully ironic, as Rei barely spoke most of the time anyway.
The solemnly quiet mood was broken by the arrival of Misato.
"Okay you two, suit up!"
Rei stood up and faced the major. Asuka murmured something under her breath but didn't get up.
"C'mon Asuka!"
"What's the point?" She sighs. "I couldn't even save Shinji…"
"That's exactly what we're going to try and do now." Misato said, hoping to encourage the red head. "We've come up with a plan to get him back."
A moment passed before Asuka looked up at Misato. "For Shinji… I'll help."
---
*Tokyo 3 Battle Ground*
Evangelions 00 and 02 stood mere meters away from the circular shadow, which had now stopped moving and expanding. It had reached a diameter of over 600 meters, and had swallowed up a large portion of the city.
An even more peculiar thing about the scene was that Asuka's red Evangelion was holding what appeared to be a fishing rod complete with line, and some peculiar looking apparatus serving as the bait, over the Angel.
"Okay guys." Misato's voice came in through the comm. "I'm going to go over the plan one more time, just to make sure there are no more screw ups."
Asuka grumbled a bit. "Shoot."
"Asuka, using the modified line you have been issued, you will lower the transceiver in to the Dirac See from above. With that we should be able to regain contact with Unit 01."
Asuka's tired expression became more hopeful for a moment.
"What about me?" Rei asked quietly.
"Rei, you will remain on standby in case something goes wrong." Misato concluded.
"I don't need her help." Asuka stated boldly, her anger and pride re-ignited. "I can rescue Shinji all on my own!"
"No one doubts your ability Asuka." Her expression hardened. "Now, let's commence the operation!"
With that said, Evangelion unit 02 began to lower the colossal apparatus slowly in to the Angel's shadow.
---
*NERV Cell block*
Kensuke and Jason sat despondently on the bench in their cell. One of the guards who patrolled outside had been kind enough to inform them that an Angel was attacking HQ, but he had not revealed any other details about the battle, so they had no idea how it was going.
"This sucks!" Kensuke proclaimed.
The older man grunted in reply.
"The ultimate battle in the history of mankind is in the midst above us and we're locked up in this cell…"
The man grunted again.
"This sucks…"
---
*Inside the 12th*
The endless void was absent of all matter, save for the purple Evangelion that now floated aimlessly, lost without power, and without a means of escape.
Acting on his training, Shinji had switched to minimal life support mode, in hope of expanding the span of his life.
He sighed. "I never thought that doing nothing could be this exhausting…"
---
*Tokyo 3 Battle Ground*
The red Evangelion continued to lower the giant apparatus in to the angel, until the line stopped moving and she heard a click.
"This is Unit 02." Asuka said. "The line has reached its end."
"Alright." Misato replied. "Activate the transceiver."
Flicking the switch, Asuka activated the machine that was now also submerged in the Angel.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"When the link is established, I want the feed sent directly to this control room." Gendo commanded.
"Yes sir." Turning back to the main viewing screen Misato ordered the technicians to start transmitting.
Everyone held his or her breath for a few moments before Misato spoke up again. "Is there any response?"
"None yet Major." Hyuga replied.
"It's not working?" She asked.
"It's too early to say." Shigero said. "We don't know what kind of distance the signal has to travel before it reaches its target."
Just as he finished saying that, a small window opened on one of the computer screens, they had succeeded.
"Major, I think you should come to take a look at this." Maya said and Misato made her way over to the monitor.
"It's Shinji!"
"Yeah…" Maya noted the readings that were only now, starting to come through.
"What's wrong with him?" Misato asked her.
"Nothing…" Maya looked up at the major. "He's awake… he's just got his eyes closed."
Turning to Shigero, Misato asked if it was possible to speak to him.
"Yes… although there would be a 20 seconds or so delay between the time when the signal is sent and by the time it reaches its destination."
"Alright… put me through."
Shigero nodded a few seconds later, confirming that a visual audio link had been established both ways.
"Shinji." Misato began. "Can you hear me?"
---
*Unit 01's Entry plug*
Shinji was resting in his entry plug. He had pretty much lost hope of a rescue, and was now quietly recalling the more memorable events from the past month or so…
That was until he heard the sound signalling that a line of communication had been established.
"Shinji? Can you hear me?"
"Misato?"
He waited for over 40 seconds before he heard a response.
"Listen Shinji, it is difficult for us to communicate so I want you to listen to what I have to say." Her voice was firm. "There is a possibility that we might be able to get you out, but for that to work you'll need to synchronize with your Eva."
"But I'll have less than a minute of power left…"
Again, there was a timely pause before he heard Misato's voice again.
"Don't worry about that…"
"Alright… here goes…"
---
*NERV Control Room*
"The Eva's been activated!" Hyuga said aloud.
Misato looked back at Gendo who stood up and nodded to Doctor Akagi. She typed something in to a remote terminal and then took a step back, returning her attention to the main viewer.
---
*Unit 01's Entry plug*
Shinji surveyed the timer inside his Eva as the seconds ticked by. Suddenly, right before his eyes, the countdown stopped and re-sets itself to 8hours, 88minutes and 88seconds.
"What the hell?" He asks.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"It worked!" Ritsuko said facing Gendo Ikari.
"Good."
"What the hell?" Shinji's voice came in over the comm.
"Don't worry Shinji." Misato said absently as she looked back at Doctor Akagi. "What now?"
"Well you see… the Sea of Dirac that has enclosed unit 01 is basically space that exists within an inverted AT field." Ritsuko explained. "If Unit 01 raises it's own AT field from inside, it should neutralise the Angel."
"Okay!" Turning her attention back to the comm., Misato relayed the information to Shinji.
---
*Unit 01's Entry plug*
"So I should just expand my AT field?" Shinji asked, and waited patiently for a reply to come.
"Yeah, we're not sure what will happen after that but this is the best we can do."
"Here goes nothing…" He muttered as he closed his eyes and concentrated.
---
*Tokyo 3 Battle Field*
Asuka was starting to get agitated. Rei, as usual was keeping silent, so that and the fact that she had been cut off from HQ was starting to get to her.
"Rei, what's going on?" She asked annoyed. "I've been holding this damn thing for twenty minutes."
"I do not kn-" Rei didn't finish her sentence, as the ground began to shake, almost making her Eva tip over.
"What the hell?" Asuka said in disbelief, as the colossal sphere that stood before her began to vibrate and shudder. She struggled to hold on to the apparatus, and the line suddenly snapped, making it plunge fully in to the shadow.
"Scheisse!" Asuka cursed as she began to back away from the Angel.
Cracks began to form on the Angel with blood poring forth. The whole sphere was now pulsing, and the shadow itself was changing colour.
"Holy crap!" Asuka screamed, when without warning, the Angel exploded in a giant cloud of blood.
---
*NERV Control Room*
"Status Report!" Misato yelled.
"The Angel has been destroyed!"
"What about Unit 01?"
"I'm not getting any readings!" Maya exclaimed as she studied her monitor.
"AT Field detected!" Makoto yelled. "Patter Orange! It's Unit 01!"
---
As the scene of the exploding Angel began to clear, the dark outline of the massive purple Evangelion started to become visible.
Far above the city, the mistral form of cloud cupid could be seen watching over the battleground.
"Now I've found you…"
********************
The massive purple Evangelion, that now stood covered in blood, knelt down and the entry plug was ejected.
Shinji crawled out of the cockpit and looked around. He could see Units 00 and 02 close by, as well as a large gathering of military vehicles around.
A few moments later he heard the sound of cars approaching and soon after he spotted a collection of Nerv vehicles. Two jeeps pulled up in front of him followed by a van, which he though must be a medical team. He was surprised to see Misato come out from one of the large hummers.
"Shinji!" She shouted as she ran over to him. "Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine, Misato!" He struggled as she wrapped him in her old Misato brand hug.
"We were all so worried about you!"
---
Asuka watched the whole scene unfold from the main viewer of her screen.
"Hey! I should be the first one to give him a hug!" She shouted. Sadly, the only person who could hear her was the pilot of Unit 00, Rei.
"What difference would it make?" Rei asked her over the intercom.
"I knew you wouldn't understand!"
Rei didn't reply.
---
*The Commander's office.*
The second in command sat across from the supreme commander of Nerv.
"So, the S2 unit was succeful..." Fuyutsuki commented.
"Of course. Although this wasn't foretold in the scenario, there was no reason for it to fail."
"Aren't we deviating from it a little too much?" The sub commander asked.
"It shouldn't have any detrimental effects..." Gendo answered.
---
*Later on*
Shinji was sitting on one of the benches in the infirmary. He had been poked and prodded for the past hour or so, to test for any signs of contamination or influences by the Angel after being absorbed. He had checked out fine.
A nurse walked in, her face hidden behind a file she was reading. "Well, we didn't find anything wrong with you, so you're free to leave."
Shinji stood up. "Okay, thanks..." As soon as he opened the door, a hand grabbed hold of his shirt and pulled him out in to the corridor.
"Baka!"
Yep, it was Asuka.
"Hello Asuka." He said as he struggled to retain his balance. "What's up?"
She didn't answer him. Instead, she proceeded to drag him down the corridor and out of the base. She dragged him all through Tokyo 03, in to their apartment complex and up the elevator to their home.
Throwing open the door, Asuka pushed Shinji in to the front room and then threw him on to the couch.
"Asuka, will yo-" He didn't say anything else as she literally fell on top of him.
"Shut up and kiss me."
"Wah!"
---
Rei had left the Nerv HQ and was now almost at her apartment. As she approached the door she noticed something strange. All the letter that she had stuffed in her mail box were now missing, and also the door was no longer a mucky washed out colour, but instead a rather pleasant yellow.
Opening the door, she noticed a few paint tubs in the corner. As she walked deeper in to her apartment, it became apparent that the whole place had had a make-over. The walls were now sky blue, the bed had been made, and not to mention all the new furniture scattered around the place.
"What is going on?" She asked, not very loud, but not exactly quietly for Rei.
Cupid flew out from inside the bathroom. "Hi Rei!"
"What have you done to my apartment?"
"Oh, this?" He flew around in a circle. "I decided to give it a make-over."
"Bu-"
"Before you ask," He interrupted her. "I used your Nerv ID to buy the stuff over the phone. When they delivered it, I took it upon myself to sort everything out. Pretty funky, huh?"
"You used my Nerv card?" Rei asked him.
"Hey, no sweat," The cloud let out a chuckle. "You've never used it before, so why not start now?"
Rei almost, ALMOST, for the second time this week, groaned out in frustration.
"Hey, don't get so worked up!" Cupid exclaimed. "It's not healthy."
"You should have told me about this in advance." Rei said calmly, trying to control the anger that was oh so un-usual for her.
"It wouldn't be a surprise then, would it?"
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
Devising plans to fight Angels is tough. Misato wanted nothing more than to return to the place she called home, lie back on her futon, and get some well deserved rest.
It seemed that her plans for sleep would have to wait though. The first thing she saw when she walked in to the living room was...
"SHINJI! Put your shirt back on right now!"
"What shirt?" He said in a daze.
Misato yanked Asuka off of him and thrust the shirt to his face.
"Damn it Misato!" Asuka complained. "Why the hell do you keep showing up like that at the worst time?"
"Divine intervention." The older woman replied sarcastically.
Grabbing a hold of Shinji, Asuka began dragging him to the front door. "C'mon, Shinji. We'll finish this someplace else."
"Oh no you won't!" Misato yelled, but they had already exited. "Damn kids."
---
*NERV Cell block*
"So, you think the attack's over?" Kensuke asked the older man.
"Yeah... probably..."
"Damn, another historical event passed us by."
"You know, sometimes it's best to... SHUT THE HELL UP!"
"Alright... alright..." Kensuke sighed. "Man... some people..."
********************
*Streets of Tokyo 03*
Asuka was striding through the city with Shinji in tow. She was still pissed at Misato for when the older woman had interrupted her fun, but despite saying that: 'She'd Finish what she started with Shinji someplace else,' she found herself completely out of ideas now that they were out of the apartment.
Sighing she came to a standstill, and Shinji now stood beside her. "Ah, dang it..."
"You wanna go back to the apartment?"
Asuka sighed again. "Yeah... we may as well."
As the two turned to head back, Shinji spotted someone walking across from them on the other side of the road.
"Hey Asuka, isn't that Hikari?"
"Huh?" The redhead turned to see who Shinji was looking at. "Yeah, it is!" She confirmed. "I wonder where she's going though... she didn't tell me she'd be going out today."
"Maybe something popped up." Shinji thought. "Let's leave her alone."
"Shinji!" She exclaimed. "Where is your sense of fun?" Grinning she continued. "I say we followed her and see where she's going!"
"But isn't she your friend?"
"Of course, but best friends shouldn't hide things from each-other!"
Sighing in defeat, Shinji submitted to Asuka's request. "Oh alright..."
"Great!" She smiled. "Let's go!"
---
*Katsuragi Apartment*
Misato sat dejectedly at her kitchen table, drinking her usual 'Yebisu.'
"Damn kids are gonna be the death of me one day..." She muttered to herself as she took another large gulp.
Just as she was about to down the last of her beer, the doorbell rang prompting her to go and investigate.
"I wonder who that could be..."
Opening the door she was startled to see a young man holding a large bouquet of roses with her name on it.
"Um... Hello?" She began.
"Hello, you must be Misato." The young man said.
"Yeah, that's me."
He presented her with the roses and she took them from him. "Are these for me?"
"Yes, from some guy called Kaji." The man explained. "I'm just delivering them."
"Oh... well thank you." She said as she tore her eyes from the flowers and smiled.
"No prob." He said as he began walking away. "Bye."
"Bye!" She said loudly as he walked in to the elevator.
Walking back to the apartment and shutting the door behind herself, Misato sat down to inspect the roses. 'This is very un-usual coming from Kaji.' She thought. 'I wish I knew what to do with them...'
---
*Outside of the Apartment Complex*
Slowly the figure of the young man who had delivered the roses began to change colour and shifted state to become a small cloud of gas. "That guy..." Cupid chuckled. "Needs all the help he can get."
---
*Streets of Tokyo 03*
"Where the hell is she going?" Asuka whispered to Shinji as they kept their distance behind Hikari.
"I'm not sure." Shinji replied. "This route does seem familiar though."
The two stayed on her tail for a few more minutes before a realization came to Shinji and he spoke again.
"I recognise this place now," He said in a hushed voice. "We're on the same road that leads to Touji's house."
"Well..." Asuka replied just as quietly. "We'll just have to follow her and see where this goes..."
Shinji nodded as they continued down the road after Asuka's friend.
"Hey, she's slowing down." Asuka said. "And it looks like she's turning in to that house over there... what do you think?" She asked him.
Shinji remained silent.
"Shinji?" She asked him again.
"...That's Touji's house." He said finally. "She's gone to visit Touji."
"What!?" Asuka raised her voice. "Why would she do that?"
"I dunno..." Shinji replied. "Printouts maybe? He has missed a lot school lately..."
"It's not that." Asuka said. "She wasn't carrying anything."
"Hmmm, I'm out of ideas." Said Shinji.
"Well, I'm going to march over there and see what's going on!" Asuka exclaimed as she started walking again..
"No!" Shinji yelped. "Don't!"
"What!?" She turned to him with a scowl. "And why not?"
"Because then she'd know that we followed her." Shinji explained. "Ask her about it some other time; I don't think she'd be happy if she knew her best friend was stalking her."
"It's not stalking Baka!" She yelled, but then her eyes softened. "Awww man... I just can't stay mad at you..." She gave him a hug. "You're right, let's wait for some other time."
Shinji sighed in relief and returned the hug. "You really gotta control that temper of yours."
"You can't ask that of me!" She protested. "It's part of my charm!"
Shinji laughed. "Yeah, I suppose it is!"
The two broke up the hug and walked away in the opposite direction from Touji's house.
---
*NERV Cell Block*
Poor Kensuke. He has learned his lesson: Never trust a girl with red hair that comes from Germany. It had been a week since he had been locked up deep within the bowels of Nerv, and he had long ago submitted himself to the fact that rescue wasn't coming.
He had to admit that he was fortunate to have company; otherwise he probably would have cracked by now. And all for what?
"Hey kid." His in-mate called out.
"Yeah?"
"Well," He began. "It's been fun."
"What?"
Just then the door to their cell opened and two Nerv guards stepped in. One of them looked at Kensuke and then at the man sitting across from him.
"Let's go." The guard said.
Jason stood up and was led outside by the guards. The door closed behind them, pitching the cell back in to darkness.
---
*Next Day - NERV HQ*
"Hello Major." Hyuga greeted Misato as she stepped in to the control room.
"Hey!" She said with a smile. "Anything interesting happening?"
"Nope."
Her smile faded. "Aww man, there's nothing to do..."
"Hmmm... what about that guy who was tailing Asuka?" Hyuga reminded her.
"Huh?" She tried to remember for a moment. "Oh yeah... I said I'd check that out, didn't I?"
"Yep."
"Alright, I'll go down to the Cell Block..." She said as she made her way over to the small elevator and descended out of sight.
---
*Some crappy part of Nerv*
Nerv is a big organization that offers many jobs. A large portion of these jobs hold exciting prospects, like piloting big robots for example.
Sadly, not everyone has it so fortunate.
These are the kind of thoughts that run through the head of every lowly tech or security guard that works on the base.
This is the tale of Bob. Bob was an ordinary man who worked an ordinary job in a not so ordinary place. Yes, Bob was one of those lowly security guards who works overtime and doesn't get paid extra (and yes, he will eventually get killed in EOE).
"Hey you." A voice came from behind him.
He turned and came face to face with a person who, like many of the other male Nerv employees, he had fantasized about.
"May I help you?" Bob asked.
"Why certainly mister… um..." The purple haired woman looked closer at his name tag. "Mister Bob..."
They were both silent for a moment. Bob was puzzled.
"Mister Bob?" Misato finally spoke up.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"That is the dumbest name I've ever heard." Misato told him plainly.
To her surprise, Mister Bob broke out in to tears. "I-I can't help it if my parents decided to give me this name." He said in between sobs.
Misato immediately felt guilty at this. "Alright, look, it's not that big a deal." She offered whist patting him on the shoulder.
'She's touching me! Yuss!' He thought triumphantly.
"Thank you." He said while wiping away the last of his tears. "So, why did you come down here?"
"Well, you guys have apparently arrested someone who had followed Asuka in to the base, so I've come down here to see this person."
"Oh yeah, he's down in block C or D or something… follow me!"
And so the two set of to find the cell in which Kensuke was being held.
Misato still had no idea that it had been Shinji's friend who had been captured and imprisoned.
---
*Suzahara residence*
"Touji… make love to me!" Hikari screamed as she pounced on top of the clueless jock…
…That is what would be happening if Touji's day dream did indeed come true. He was so absorbed in it that he failed to notice the appearance of the real Hikari at the door to his room.
"Touji… Hello?"
No response.
"Are you there?" After he failed to respond Hikari waved a hand in front of his face but still to no avail.
Hikari walked out of his room to go and find his father.
"Mister Suzahara, something is wrong with Touji!" She yelled.
"Is he spacing out again?" A reply came from a different room in the house.
"I think so!"
"Poke him with a stick!" His father yelled. "That outta bring him back. There's one to the side of his bed."
Hikari developed a large sweat-drop as she went in search of the stick she would be poking Touji with.
---
*Nerv Cell Block*
"Well, this is the cell right here." Bob said as he stopped in front of one of the many large metallic re-enforced doors.
"Open it up then." Misato said, sparing Bob a quick glance.
Bob keyed in a few buttons and the door started shuddering. A few moments later it began to open.
"Thar she is, yar."
Surprisingly enough, the door dramatically opened to reveal a… scruffy looking Kensuke.
The boy was blinded by the light coming from outside the cell so he couldn't tell that it was Misato.
"What now?" He half asked, half sighed.
"Ken?" Misato asked not really believing it. "Is that you?"
"Hey Misato." He smiled. "What brings you here?"
"What the hell are you doing here locked up in a cell?" She asked, her voice rising.
"I'm serving out my punishment!" Kensuke said somewhat proudly. "I am a prisoner of war."
"Oh brother…" Misato rolled her eyes and then turned to the guard next to her. "As of now this person is no longer a prisoner."
"Um… alright." The guard said.
"Ken." Misato said sternly. "I want you to tell me exactly why you've been locked up in this cell."
'Some heads are going to roll.' She though to herself…