Before I begin I'd like to thank those that reviewed, you guys rock. Standard disclaimers still apply.
What Then?
The Suzuhara household was very different from the houses that she had seen in America, the house itself seemed like it belonged in an earlier time, the Meiji era maybe. The house used all the old style trappings, paper windows, hard wood floors. The house was more like an old shrine, like it had been there since before Second Impact. That was however, impossible.
The house had been built at the high point of Hikari's husband Touji's basketball career. Touji had since retired, from the sport but kept a controlling stock in his old team, The Tokyo-3 Penguins. This allowed him and his family to live out their days comfortably. Comfortable, but never in excess. Touji still coached a youth group basketball team, Hikari still worked as a high school teacher and they both still raised their son Souske.
Souske was viewed as the terror of his school, Karen even remembered hearing that Souske had forced his current teacher to go into early retirement. He would force telemarketers that had the misfortune of calling their house to scream in frustration. Karen also heard that when he was two the boy's parents did not sleep until he turned three.
Despite all this Karen could tell that he was a good kid. He was like his father was at one time, lacking in confidence and over compensated by being abrasive. This was not the Souske that Karen knew however, the boy that she knew was kind and soft-hearted, someone who was more prone to crying than lashing out.
Arriving at the door, Karen gave it a soft knock, knowing that she would not have to wait very long, as is was almost six o'clock on the dot. This night, Karen wore a black tank top with an open green button shirt, a pair of gray pants and her old sneakers, on her right shoulder she wore a black school bag. After about thirty seconds Karen let herself in announcing her presence to the house. The old style of the architecture still surprised her, even now.
"Oh Karen," Hikari greeted the girl as she put on a pair of earrings. At age thirty five Hikari was a vision of beauty, her figure had filled out and her hairstyle had changed to a single pony tail instead of the twin pig tails she wore in middle school. Now she stood just a little taller than Karen. She still had a few freckles here and there, but this accentuated her beauty more than anything. She wore a black skirt and deep blue blouse with high heels, something to catch her husband's eye no doubt.
"Hello Mrs. Suzuhara," Karen bowed as was polite for someone who had entered without proper permission, "sorry for intruding." She didn't know exactly why she was apologizing so formally, she had never felt the need to do so before. Waving off the passing sentiment, Karen pressed on with the current issues. "Where is Souske?"
"He's with his father now." She said putting on the other earring. "Thanks for doing this on such short notice. I know that you are busy with college and all."
"It's no trouble Mrs. Suzuhara," Karen smiled, "I like being with Souske, he's like my little brother."
"I'm sure he likes that," Hikari smiled back, "there is plenty of food in the refrigerator, so feel free to make what ever you want, Souske hasn't eaten yet, but normally does so at around seven." The whole time Karen smiled and nodded, she knew what to do. However going through the emergency numbers about five times seemed to put Hikari at ease. Karen was tempted to show Hikari her the CPR certification card that all NERV members carried, but feared that would only worry the poor woman more.
When all was said and done, Hikari walked Karen out to the center courtyard. There she found Souske swinging by his hands of his father's left arm. To some, looking at Souske was like looking at the past, he was the very image of his father, right down to his slim build.
"Look who's here Souske," Hikari spoke, "it's Karen."
"Hi," Karen waved nervously at the young boy, not liking being put on the spot, "how are you."
"Karen!" The boy cried out as he let go of his father's arm. He hit the ground on his butt with a hard thud, this however did nothing to slow him down as he continued his mad dash for the young Miss Ikari. Karen's memory of that moment was a little fuzzy, all she remembered was the youth jumping to hug her, then she herself crashing down to the ground. She also remembered that he hugged her a bit too tight for her tastes as she felt her breasts being crushed against him.
"You have the numbers is anything happens," Hikari tried to speak over her husbands loud laughter, "we'll see you later."
"Have fun." Karen spoke dryly.
****************
****************
Rei's office was nothing like the commander's before her. Where as that office was almost wastefully large, her office was rather small. She had her desk specially made and imported from America, it's size suitable for her needs. There were file cabinets along with a computer terminal. Although not the same size as the last commander's it still gave off the same cold air. There were only the necessities with but one exception, there next to her telephone was a single picture, that of a young boy. The picture itself was kept in remarkable condition, the only way one would know it's age was through the picture resolution. The picture was somewhat old.
She was not normally alone in her office, usually her Sub-Commander was at her side. Today he had some pressing business to attend to. However because he wasn't there didn't mean that she was alone. Across from her was a young man, no more than seventeen. The boy a platinum blonde hair had skin almost as pale as her own, his eyes were gray, the same gray as her Sub-Commander's hair. He held himself with dignity, an air of command about him, he trusted himself.
Though he said not a word, did not move from his seat, Commander Ikari could tell. This was the new 'Seventh Child' Yuu Williams, that had been brought in by the U.N. from the American NERV branch. He had high marks from them in synchronizing with the test plugs, he passed their psychological tests with flying colors.
By all rights Rei should have been able to trust him with Unit Two even if it was a moot point. However many points he had in his favor with the U.N. there was one thing that she could not forget, Karen didn't trust him. Misato had told her of the fight that the two almost had, of the near crazed look in Karen's eyes then. That was the reason that she needed to meet him, even if Karen didn't like him he was the only other person in the world who could pilot an Evangelion. She needed to be able to trust him to do what was necessary.
"Excuse me Commander," the boy spoke in an even soprano voice, "why did you ask me here?"
"Yuu Williams," she spoke in her own monotone, "designated the Seventh Child and pilot of Unit Two, you are aware what is required of you, no?"
"Yes Ma'am." His voice, much like his posture never broke.
"Tell me," unconsciously Rei entwined her fingers just underneath her nose, "can you be trusted to work with the Sixth?"
"Excuse me?" Confusion, Rei only had to apply more pressure.
"You are aware of the Identity of the Sixth child?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Tell me what happened." The Seventh froze, it was not a request. "You are aware that she has higher priority than you?"
He nodded.
"Then you should also be aware of the fact that if it comes down to a choice between the two of you she would win. Now tell me what happened."
The Seventh had gone noticeably paler, but he held his ground. "No Ma'am, that has nothing to do with you." From behind her glasses Rei Ikari stared into the soul of the youth, Yuu Williams. She saw him shrink back, prepare himself mentally for what ever she had planned.
"You are dismissed." There was no need for him to be there anymore, not since Rei had achieved her goal. The boy could be trusted, she had to admit that his control was admirable. Never the less she had achieved her goal, she had succeeded in making him sweat.
****************
****************
"You win." Karen dropped the controller in frustration.
"That's thirty to four," Souske grinned, "do you want to play another game?"
"That's okay," She said as she rose from her seat, "I think I'll just get started on dinner now."
"What are we having?"
"What do you want?" That dry tone she had used before returned.
"Lets see," the youth wrinkled his brow in concentration. With any luck the boy would want something simple, but different, like hamburgers or spaghetti. "I've always wanted to try fondue."
"Huh?" The shock that she felt was almost enough for her to fall over. Of all the foods she knew how to cook, of all the dishes that she fed Misato, of all the cuisines in the world, it had to be French. "I don't suppose that you would like something else," there was a hopeful almost desperate gleam in her eyes, "would you?"
"Can you make pizza?" Now there was progress, Karen knew quite a few pasta dishes as she enjoyed Italian food very much. However not many houses had the right ingredients for a decent pizza. Also there was the fact that she wasn't the best cook in Tokyo-3, far from it. Despite the fact that she had cooked for Misato almost every day since she was twelve, Karen was quite self-conscious about her cooking ability. However if the Suzuhara's had what was needed she couldn't see why not.
"Let's find out," Karen said as she walked to the kitchen. The kitchen was unlike the rest of the house, it was very modern, by comparison. There were electric stoves and ovens, a sink, a dish washer and refrigerator/freezer lined in that order facing a large window. Next to that was a counter and cutting board.
Looking through the numerous cabinets and the refrigerator Karen found all the ingredients she needed, even a box of instant curry that she could use as a topping(1). In no time at all Karen had made what she hoped was a decent pizza, this however was left to the young food critic.
As the young Suzuhara inspected the pizza he found that there was nothing wrong with it. He did not say anything to the effect of how it tasted, but the fact that he ate almost half the pie in what seemed like a few bites was a good sign.
After their meal Karen had Souske wash up and changed for bed, it was nearly eleven at night and Souske had school in the morning. Also Karen still had to do those calculus problems. To say nothing of the fact that she herself had class the next day.
After Souske had finished washing up Karen looked him over, trying to make sure that he did all that was necessary.
"Did you clean behind your ears?" Her head was tilted and she let her knuckles to rest on her hips. As many times as she watched him for the Suzuhara's, Karen always made sure that he got everything.
"Yes." It was true that Souske was familiar with this ritual, but that didn't mean that he had to like it.
"Brush your teeth?"
"Yes."
Floss?"
"Yes."
"Okay," she smiled warmly at him, "you'll thank me for this someday, now lets get you to bed."
"Um," Souske started to look nervous eventually breaking off eye contact, "Karen?"
"Yes?"
"Would you carry me?"
It seemed like an odd request from a nine year old boy. Most of the children she had meet in her life would try to act as much like an adult as they could. Karen remembered vividly of how they acted when she herself was nine years old.
"I don't see why not." Karen's smile grew warmer. Lifting the boy in her arms she brought his head to rest on her shoulder, the sent of the shampoo that she used in her auburn hair filling his senses. Souske went quiet then, having gone to sleep in her arms. Karen managed to make it to his room without rousing the boy, even as she lay him down to sleep in his futon, the boy did not stir. The gentle rhythm of his breathing was all that ensured that he still existed. When she finished putting him to bed she set out to the living room, there sitting at the Kotatsu(2) she began her homework.
After about a half an hour Karen had finished her homework for the next day. The calculus was harder than she imagined and she found herself glad that she finished it. Karen had remembered Misato telling her that her mother had graduated from college by the time she turned fourteen. Although she had fallen far behind her mother she still wanted to prove that she could do it.
As it always did, thoughts of her parents had surfaced. The regrets began to resurface. Kaworu had told her that her father had tried to go back to the Evangelion because he wanted to protect her, did that mean if she was never conceived her father would still be alive? Then there was her mother who had died because she had gone to her husbands grave. Was that also her fault?
Then there were the people that she knew. She could still hear Misato cry herself to sleep sometimes, was it because of her parents death? Aunt Rei was always warm and comforting when she was around, but she had remembered times when she wasn't aware of her and she would be as cold as ice. Kaworu, who always had a gentle smile also always had a sad look in his eyes, he had confided in her that he and her father were close, would often say that her father was the sole reason that he lived today.
How many people had she hurt simply by being born?
"Hey sis?" Karen whirled around, her legs leaving the warmth of the kotatsu. There she saw Souske, bleary eyed and scared. Tears glimmered trailing down his eyes as he lunged for her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he placed his head in her lap and cried.
Karen's first reaction was shock, as it always seemed these days, but that shock quickly subsided as she brought her hands down to rest on his small back.
"I had a horrible dream," he said in between sobs, "I dreamt I was strangling you, but I didn't want to. Then you started to fight back and when I tried to ask you to stop you wouldn't and- and-"
"Shush," she whispered to him, her lips warming his ears, "it's okay, I'll protect you. I'd never try to hurt you. My feelings will protect you, I'll protect you. Now just go back to sleep." The sincerity in her voice calmed him, as she shushed Souske and kissed his crown. She didn't know when it started, but before she could stop she began singing to him, It was an old song, one that Misato had on her antiquated CD collection. She remembered vaguely the song's name, in fact she only really remembered singing one stanza, but she continued singing as it helped soothe the poor boy.
______________________________________
Tondeyukimasu, itsumo no tokoro e
Taiyou takaku, ashita mo hare desu
Moshimo sukoshi sabishiku nattemo
Daijoubu, chanto mite imasu koko de
______________________________________
Translation courtesy of Pioneer Entertainment
______________________________________
Let's fly away to our usual place
Tomorrow will be clear with the sun high up in the sky
Even if you get a bit lonely
It's okay I'll be watching you right here(3)
______________________________________
Karen thought about the boy's nightmare after he was once again asleep, it was like her own. Dreams what the Evangelions had done. There were many a night that she would not sleep after reliving those memories of the EVA, but it was more than seeing the events that happened, she felt them. The attack by the Fifth Angel that pierced her body, the acid of the Ninth that burned her, the Fifteenth. Always though the Angels took the form of those she knew, and always that same form. She remembered almost laughing the firdt time when Misato, as the Ninth, literally vomited the acid onto her. She didn't have to know for a fact that these were past events by anyone's account, more than anything she felt this to be true.
She never told anyone of those dreams though, as she didn't want to draw that kind of attention to herself. If everyone thought her crazy then who would let her pilot the Evangelion? She wondered what kind of dreams she would pass on to her own children. It was true that the last was no where near as frightening as the Fifteenth was, but that didn't mean the rest would be.
Did she even want to have children? All she could think of now was piloting EVA and finishing college, but she didn't plan on dying in combat. She thought about it all, 'What happens if all these new Angels are defeated? What will I do with the rest of my life? When everything about EVA is said and done, what then?'
"Hello," her musings were broken by a very drunk Touji Suzuhara's entrance, "anybody home?" The proof of this was the color of his cheeks and the tie that he wore on his head.
"Darling keep it down," Hikari said her own voice a little to loud for her to be very sober, "you're likely to wake Souske." After saying this the couple stumbled into the living room where Souske still slept soundly in Karen's lap. Silently Hikari hoped that Touji would not start singing that 'Tie a yellow ribbon' song that he had sung the entire cab ride home.
"it's all right," Karen answered the mother's unspoken question, "he's still asleep." Fondly she caressed the boy's cheek, a smile that Hikari could not fathom on Karen's face. "He had a bad dream, I was comforting him."
"I see," Hikari smile, her arms wrapped around her own body.
"Well," Touji spoke, suddenly quite calm, "let's get him to bed then." Picking up his son Touji gently carried the boy back to his bed.
"I'd better get home," Karen said as she picked herself up off the ground, "I have class tomorrow." Dusting herself off the deep blue eyed girl picked up her bag and headed for the door. "As always Mrs. Suzuhara, it was a pleasure." Putting her shoes on she walked out the door.
"You're always welcome here," Hikari smiled to the door as it closed behind her, "Karen Ikari."
****************
****************
Karen and Misato didn't live too far from the Suzuhara's so she knew that the walk would not be too long. That still didn't change the fact that it was after midnight and there were still all sorts of weirdoes out at night. The fact that a black car was pulling up came as no surprise to her. It was probably one of those jerks that wanted to take her to a love hotel for the night. This made Karen wish that she had not turned down Misato's offer for a self defense class. Running her hands through her pockets Karen checked to make sure she still had it, her trusty mace.
"Are you Karen Ikari?" A man in a black suit asked her from the driver's side of the car.
"Who wants to know?" She was more than a little irate at the man for already knowing her name.
"I'm Ryoma," he pulled out a badge with the NERV symbol on it, "I'm with section two. I was ordered by Col. Katsuragi to bring you to Head Quarters."
Before Karen could utter a reply, her cell phone began to ring. The caller I.D. marked it as Misato's cell. Not even waiting for a response Misato said to the other end, "Get in the car." Before she went silent.
It was then that Karen understood, for she saw the sleeping city come to life once again, lights blared, husbands were leaving their homes and kissing their wives, spot lights reached out to the heavens to light the way. Yes Karen understood then, there was another Angel.
****************
****************
The preparations this time were no where near as frightening as the first time, though it was still all very new to her, Karen went through the motions with no hesitation. There really wasn't much for her to do anyway, just get in her plug suit and wait on her plane.
This was done in a matter of a few minutes. As she sat in the somewhat familiar plane, Karen's day began to catch up with her. She had been up since nearly six this morning, had attended many long classes and babysat a very energetic nine year old boy. As she reflected on her day an unexpected wave of exhaustion over took her, though she did not know what to expect or when she would arrive, the Sixth Child felt confident that she would have enough time to get some sleep. Not wanting to exhaust herself further before a battle, the Sixth gave in to her body's desire, and slept.
She didn't know how long she was out, didn't care to know. Her sleep was as dreamless as she hoped after what had happened to Souske. As her eyes came into focus the first thing she saw was her guardian Misato.
"You're awake?" Karen noticed that her guardian had gone into business mode, as she called it.
"Yeah," she yawned the sleep from her body, "do you have any info this time?"
"Funny," though clearly Misato thought differently, "we're heading to 30 degrees North, 160 degrees East. The new Angel was confirmed in the area about four hours ago."
"What's it doing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?"
"We don't know," the Operations Director handed the Sixth a picture of the area where the Angel was spotted, "you'll pilot Unit One and land on the Aircraft carrier ship, Oz."
"Is this ocean equipment for Unit One finished?" She asked as she looked over the picture.
"No, you'll be supporting Unit Two," Misato did not notice the surprised look on Karen's face, or if she did she tried hard not to look like she did, "you are to spread your A.T. Field to it's maximum in order to aid the Seventh Child."
"You mean-"
"Get into the EVA now." It was not a request, nor was it a debate, faced with this side of Misato, Karen had little choice but to follow orders.
****************
****************
She thought it rather odd that the Evangelion sat on top of the carrier cross legged, but with her lack of room on the surface she had no choice. There was nothing for her to do, after she landed on the carrier Misato had gone silent and all she saw was the Second Evangelion dive into the water to where the Angel had been confirmed. She was not alone though, there were at least twelve other ships surrounding the Oz, ranging from battleships to submarines to destroyers. It reminded her of the dream she had about the Sixth Angel Attack.
The night sky was like a dream, it was pure and pristine, no cloud dare touch it. Only the light of the moon dare invade. It's appearance however only enchanted it. This was the perfect night and maybe the perfect place to be with the one she loved.
"Hey can you hear me?" The familiar voice asked over the communicator, sound only.
"Mr. Nagisa?"
"Kaworu, Kaworu," he reminded her of what he wanted her to call him, sighing abjectly, "so how are things going?"
"Don't you know?" How could he not?
"Know what?"
"I'm support on this mission, the Seventh Child is actually fighting it."
"Really," his voice still sounded the same, if Karen had not know him, she might mistake this voice for someone her own age. "Well support is important too."
"How so?" He didn't answer the question, instead the warnings blared all about her Evangelion. "What's happening?" Her answer came but not as she had hoped it would.
From the depths of the sea the Angel made it's presence know to her, this Angel, who had set it's sights on her, was twice as long as the EVA was tall. from it's back spread a pair of wide fins, the leathery tendons seemed so thin that it actually allowed the moonlight to pass through them, it's tail fin was like that of a dolphin's in comparison with the rest of it's body, just below it's fins were a pair of arms with three fingers on each of them. The Angel had no face, instead it had a brown mass just above it's mouth which contrasted with the gray that colored the rest of it's body. The mouth itself was a nothing but row after row of razor sharp teeth, in the center Karen found the core of the creature, it appeared to be cracked and damaged. Who ever the Seventh was he had at least put up a good fight.
"Karen," through a wave of static that appeared to occur around the Angel Misato spoke, "finish it. The Seventh is too badly hurt to keep on fighting." Her voice reverberated with emergency.
"Right," bringing her Prog. Knife to bear Karen readied to attack the still rising Angel. Trying to stay on the carrier, Karen thrust the knife towards the Angel. However the creature, dodged the thrust and dove back in to the water. "This is bad." The shadow of the beast could be seen in the moonlight speeding under the ships of the fleet. At any moment it could destroy on of the vessels, killing the crew.
"Miss Misato," Karen spoke, hoping that she would be heard over the static, "what would happen if I fell into the water?"
"You'd die," something of the Misato she knew from her home broke through then, terror, "the Angel would make short work of you."
"And if it were already dead?"
"No," she could make out that much over the static. Not waiting for a reply Karen jumped from the carrier into the sky above. At the same time the Angel rose to attack her.
There was but one chance for victory and she knew it, if anything went wrong then it would be the death of her. Now it was all or nothing.
As the two entities met in the night sky the end was decided. Grabbing the Angel by the neck the EVA assured it's safety and kept the teeth from it's body. Using the Progressive Knife in it's other hand it pierced the exposed core, shattering it to pieces. With the form of the Angel now going limp Karen used the EVA to pull it's neck down, then using it's body as a spring board she jumped further into the air and away from the Angel. It could not have been done too soon, for as she landed in the water the Angel exploded.
She sank then waiting for the rescue teams, it would not take long now that the Angel was defeated. Soon she saw her savior, Unit Two. It was badly damaged but it could still swim.
"Hey Red," it was a familiar voice one she hadn't heard in a while, but one she would never forget, "it's been a while hasn't it?"
"Joe?"
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
Note 1: I know that some may find this odd, but in Japan they do use curry as a pizza topping, my point of reference for this is Shin Tenchi Muyo, Great Teacher Onizuka and Oh! My Goddess.
Note 2: Kotatsu is a low table with a space heater underneath and a blanket to cover a persons lap sandwiched between the tabletop and a second uppermost tabletop. Points of reference are Risky/Safety, Love Hina and I believe Ai Yori Aoshi.
Note 3: The song is called So Re I Yu, it's sung by Ayako Kawasumi and is the intro to the second season of Mahoromatic 'Something more beautiful'. I liked it, so in turn I used it. Also I have been planning his scene since I began writing Continuation of Evangelion and have been debating on the best song to use since that time. I think I made a good choice given the overall tone of the scene and the song itself.
So in any event there it is, chapter five. It came out to be pretty lengthy compared to the last one. Well hope I have I entertained you, feel free to tell me yay or nay.
Ryuhiko@hotmail.com
What Then?
The Suzuhara household was very different from the houses that she had seen in America, the house itself seemed like it belonged in an earlier time, the Meiji era maybe. The house used all the old style trappings, paper windows, hard wood floors. The house was more like an old shrine, like it had been there since before Second Impact. That was however, impossible.
The house had been built at the high point of Hikari's husband Touji's basketball career. Touji had since retired, from the sport but kept a controlling stock in his old team, The Tokyo-3 Penguins. This allowed him and his family to live out their days comfortably. Comfortable, but never in excess. Touji still coached a youth group basketball team, Hikari still worked as a high school teacher and they both still raised their son Souske.
Souske was viewed as the terror of his school, Karen even remembered hearing that Souske had forced his current teacher to go into early retirement. He would force telemarketers that had the misfortune of calling their house to scream in frustration. Karen also heard that when he was two the boy's parents did not sleep until he turned three.
Despite all this Karen could tell that he was a good kid. He was like his father was at one time, lacking in confidence and over compensated by being abrasive. This was not the Souske that Karen knew however, the boy that she knew was kind and soft-hearted, someone who was more prone to crying than lashing out.
Arriving at the door, Karen gave it a soft knock, knowing that she would not have to wait very long, as is was almost six o'clock on the dot. This night, Karen wore a black tank top with an open green button shirt, a pair of gray pants and her old sneakers, on her right shoulder she wore a black school bag. After about thirty seconds Karen let herself in announcing her presence to the house. The old style of the architecture still surprised her, even now.
"Oh Karen," Hikari greeted the girl as she put on a pair of earrings. At age thirty five Hikari was a vision of beauty, her figure had filled out and her hairstyle had changed to a single pony tail instead of the twin pig tails she wore in middle school. Now she stood just a little taller than Karen. She still had a few freckles here and there, but this accentuated her beauty more than anything. She wore a black skirt and deep blue blouse with high heels, something to catch her husband's eye no doubt.
"Hello Mrs. Suzuhara," Karen bowed as was polite for someone who had entered without proper permission, "sorry for intruding." She didn't know exactly why she was apologizing so formally, she had never felt the need to do so before. Waving off the passing sentiment, Karen pressed on with the current issues. "Where is Souske?"
"He's with his father now." She said putting on the other earring. "Thanks for doing this on such short notice. I know that you are busy with college and all."
"It's no trouble Mrs. Suzuhara," Karen smiled, "I like being with Souske, he's like my little brother."
"I'm sure he likes that," Hikari smiled back, "there is plenty of food in the refrigerator, so feel free to make what ever you want, Souske hasn't eaten yet, but normally does so at around seven." The whole time Karen smiled and nodded, she knew what to do. However going through the emergency numbers about five times seemed to put Hikari at ease. Karen was tempted to show Hikari her the CPR certification card that all NERV members carried, but feared that would only worry the poor woman more.
When all was said and done, Hikari walked Karen out to the center courtyard. There she found Souske swinging by his hands of his father's left arm. To some, looking at Souske was like looking at the past, he was the very image of his father, right down to his slim build.
"Look who's here Souske," Hikari spoke, "it's Karen."
"Hi," Karen waved nervously at the young boy, not liking being put on the spot, "how are you."
"Karen!" The boy cried out as he let go of his father's arm. He hit the ground on his butt with a hard thud, this however did nothing to slow him down as he continued his mad dash for the young Miss Ikari. Karen's memory of that moment was a little fuzzy, all she remembered was the youth jumping to hug her, then she herself crashing down to the ground. She also remembered that he hugged her a bit too tight for her tastes as she felt her breasts being crushed against him.
"You have the numbers is anything happens," Hikari tried to speak over her husbands loud laughter, "we'll see you later."
"Have fun." Karen spoke dryly.
****************
****************
Rei's office was nothing like the commander's before her. Where as that office was almost wastefully large, her office was rather small. She had her desk specially made and imported from America, it's size suitable for her needs. There were file cabinets along with a computer terminal. Although not the same size as the last commander's it still gave off the same cold air. There were only the necessities with but one exception, there next to her telephone was a single picture, that of a young boy. The picture itself was kept in remarkable condition, the only way one would know it's age was through the picture resolution. The picture was somewhat old.
She was not normally alone in her office, usually her Sub-Commander was at her side. Today he had some pressing business to attend to. However because he wasn't there didn't mean that she was alone. Across from her was a young man, no more than seventeen. The boy a platinum blonde hair had skin almost as pale as her own, his eyes were gray, the same gray as her Sub-Commander's hair. He held himself with dignity, an air of command about him, he trusted himself.
Though he said not a word, did not move from his seat, Commander Ikari could tell. This was the new 'Seventh Child' Yuu Williams, that had been brought in by the U.N. from the American NERV branch. He had high marks from them in synchronizing with the test plugs, he passed their psychological tests with flying colors.
By all rights Rei should have been able to trust him with Unit Two even if it was a moot point. However many points he had in his favor with the U.N. there was one thing that she could not forget, Karen didn't trust him. Misato had told her of the fight that the two almost had, of the near crazed look in Karen's eyes then. That was the reason that she needed to meet him, even if Karen didn't like him he was the only other person in the world who could pilot an Evangelion. She needed to be able to trust him to do what was necessary.
"Excuse me Commander," the boy spoke in an even soprano voice, "why did you ask me here?"
"Yuu Williams," she spoke in her own monotone, "designated the Seventh Child and pilot of Unit Two, you are aware what is required of you, no?"
"Yes Ma'am." His voice, much like his posture never broke.
"Tell me," unconsciously Rei entwined her fingers just underneath her nose, "can you be trusted to work with the Sixth?"
"Excuse me?" Confusion, Rei only had to apply more pressure.
"You are aware of the Identity of the Sixth child?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Tell me what happened." The Seventh froze, it was not a request. "You are aware that she has higher priority than you?"
He nodded.
"Then you should also be aware of the fact that if it comes down to a choice between the two of you she would win. Now tell me what happened."
The Seventh had gone noticeably paler, but he held his ground. "No Ma'am, that has nothing to do with you." From behind her glasses Rei Ikari stared into the soul of the youth, Yuu Williams. She saw him shrink back, prepare himself mentally for what ever she had planned.
"You are dismissed." There was no need for him to be there anymore, not since Rei had achieved her goal. The boy could be trusted, she had to admit that his control was admirable. Never the less she had achieved her goal, she had succeeded in making him sweat.
****************
****************
"You win." Karen dropped the controller in frustration.
"That's thirty to four," Souske grinned, "do you want to play another game?"
"That's okay," She said as she rose from her seat, "I think I'll just get started on dinner now."
"What are we having?"
"What do you want?" That dry tone she had used before returned.
"Lets see," the youth wrinkled his brow in concentration. With any luck the boy would want something simple, but different, like hamburgers or spaghetti. "I've always wanted to try fondue."
"Huh?" The shock that she felt was almost enough for her to fall over. Of all the foods she knew how to cook, of all the dishes that she fed Misato, of all the cuisines in the world, it had to be French. "I don't suppose that you would like something else," there was a hopeful almost desperate gleam in her eyes, "would you?"
"Can you make pizza?" Now there was progress, Karen knew quite a few pasta dishes as she enjoyed Italian food very much. However not many houses had the right ingredients for a decent pizza. Also there was the fact that she wasn't the best cook in Tokyo-3, far from it. Despite the fact that she had cooked for Misato almost every day since she was twelve, Karen was quite self-conscious about her cooking ability. However if the Suzuhara's had what was needed she couldn't see why not.
"Let's find out," Karen said as she walked to the kitchen. The kitchen was unlike the rest of the house, it was very modern, by comparison. There were electric stoves and ovens, a sink, a dish washer and refrigerator/freezer lined in that order facing a large window. Next to that was a counter and cutting board.
Looking through the numerous cabinets and the refrigerator Karen found all the ingredients she needed, even a box of instant curry that she could use as a topping(1). In no time at all Karen had made what she hoped was a decent pizza, this however was left to the young food critic.
As the young Suzuhara inspected the pizza he found that there was nothing wrong with it. He did not say anything to the effect of how it tasted, but the fact that he ate almost half the pie in what seemed like a few bites was a good sign.
After their meal Karen had Souske wash up and changed for bed, it was nearly eleven at night and Souske had school in the morning. Also Karen still had to do those calculus problems. To say nothing of the fact that she herself had class the next day.
After Souske had finished washing up Karen looked him over, trying to make sure that he did all that was necessary.
"Did you clean behind your ears?" Her head was tilted and she let her knuckles to rest on her hips. As many times as she watched him for the Suzuhara's, Karen always made sure that he got everything.
"Yes." It was true that Souske was familiar with this ritual, but that didn't mean that he had to like it.
"Brush your teeth?"
"Yes."
Floss?"
"Yes."
"Okay," she smiled warmly at him, "you'll thank me for this someday, now lets get you to bed."
"Um," Souske started to look nervous eventually breaking off eye contact, "Karen?"
"Yes?"
"Would you carry me?"
It seemed like an odd request from a nine year old boy. Most of the children she had meet in her life would try to act as much like an adult as they could. Karen remembered vividly of how they acted when she herself was nine years old.
"I don't see why not." Karen's smile grew warmer. Lifting the boy in her arms she brought his head to rest on her shoulder, the sent of the shampoo that she used in her auburn hair filling his senses. Souske went quiet then, having gone to sleep in her arms. Karen managed to make it to his room without rousing the boy, even as she lay him down to sleep in his futon, the boy did not stir. The gentle rhythm of his breathing was all that ensured that he still existed. When she finished putting him to bed she set out to the living room, there sitting at the Kotatsu(2) she began her homework.
After about a half an hour Karen had finished her homework for the next day. The calculus was harder than she imagined and she found herself glad that she finished it. Karen had remembered Misato telling her that her mother had graduated from college by the time she turned fourteen. Although she had fallen far behind her mother she still wanted to prove that she could do it.
As it always did, thoughts of her parents had surfaced. The regrets began to resurface. Kaworu had told her that her father had tried to go back to the Evangelion because he wanted to protect her, did that mean if she was never conceived her father would still be alive? Then there was her mother who had died because she had gone to her husbands grave. Was that also her fault?
Then there were the people that she knew. She could still hear Misato cry herself to sleep sometimes, was it because of her parents death? Aunt Rei was always warm and comforting when she was around, but she had remembered times when she wasn't aware of her and she would be as cold as ice. Kaworu, who always had a gentle smile also always had a sad look in his eyes, he had confided in her that he and her father were close, would often say that her father was the sole reason that he lived today.
How many people had she hurt simply by being born?
"Hey sis?" Karen whirled around, her legs leaving the warmth of the kotatsu. There she saw Souske, bleary eyed and scared. Tears glimmered trailing down his eyes as he lunged for her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he placed his head in her lap and cried.
Karen's first reaction was shock, as it always seemed these days, but that shock quickly subsided as she brought her hands down to rest on his small back.
"I had a horrible dream," he said in between sobs, "I dreamt I was strangling you, but I didn't want to. Then you started to fight back and when I tried to ask you to stop you wouldn't and- and-"
"Shush," she whispered to him, her lips warming his ears, "it's okay, I'll protect you. I'd never try to hurt you. My feelings will protect you, I'll protect you. Now just go back to sleep." The sincerity in her voice calmed him, as she shushed Souske and kissed his crown. She didn't know when it started, but before she could stop she began singing to him, It was an old song, one that Misato had on her antiquated CD collection. She remembered vaguely the song's name, in fact she only really remembered singing one stanza, but she continued singing as it helped soothe the poor boy.
______________________________________
Tondeyukimasu, itsumo no tokoro e
Taiyou takaku, ashita mo hare desu
Moshimo sukoshi sabishiku nattemo
Daijoubu, chanto mite imasu koko de
______________________________________
Translation courtesy of Pioneer Entertainment
______________________________________
Let's fly away to our usual place
Tomorrow will be clear with the sun high up in the sky
Even if you get a bit lonely
It's okay I'll be watching you right here(3)
______________________________________
Karen thought about the boy's nightmare after he was once again asleep, it was like her own. Dreams what the Evangelions had done. There were many a night that she would not sleep after reliving those memories of the EVA, but it was more than seeing the events that happened, she felt them. The attack by the Fifth Angel that pierced her body, the acid of the Ninth that burned her, the Fifteenth. Always though the Angels took the form of those she knew, and always that same form. She remembered almost laughing the firdt time when Misato, as the Ninth, literally vomited the acid onto her. She didn't have to know for a fact that these were past events by anyone's account, more than anything she felt this to be true.
She never told anyone of those dreams though, as she didn't want to draw that kind of attention to herself. If everyone thought her crazy then who would let her pilot the Evangelion? She wondered what kind of dreams she would pass on to her own children. It was true that the last was no where near as frightening as the Fifteenth was, but that didn't mean the rest would be.
Did she even want to have children? All she could think of now was piloting EVA and finishing college, but she didn't plan on dying in combat. She thought about it all, 'What happens if all these new Angels are defeated? What will I do with the rest of my life? When everything about EVA is said and done, what then?'
"Hello," her musings were broken by a very drunk Touji Suzuhara's entrance, "anybody home?" The proof of this was the color of his cheeks and the tie that he wore on his head.
"Darling keep it down," Hikari said her own voice a little to loud for her to be very sober, "you're likely to wake Souske." After saying this the couple stumbled into the living room where Souske still slept soundly in Karen's lap. Silently Hikari hoped that Touji would not start singing that 'Tie a yellow ribbon' song that he had sung the entire cab ride home.
"it's all right," Karen answered the mother's unspoken question, "he's still asleep." Fondly she caressed the boy's cheek, a smile that Hikari could not fathom on Karen's face. "He had a bad dream, I was comforting him."
"I see," Hikari smile, her arms wrapped around her own body.
"Well," Touji spoke, suddenly quite calm, "let's get him to bed then." Picking up his son Touji gently carried the boy back to his bed.
"I'd better get home," Karen said as she picked herself up off the ground, "I have class tomorrow." Dusting herself off the deep blue eyed girl picked up her bag and headed for the door. "As always Mrs. Suzuhara, it was a pleasure." Putting her shoes on she walked out the door.
"You're always welcome here," Hikari smiled to the door as it closed behind her, "Karen Ikari."
****************
****************
Karen and Misato didn't live too far from the Suzuhara's so she knew that the walk would not be too long. That still didn't change the fact that it was after midnight and there were still all sorts of weirdoes out at night. The fact that a black car was pulling up came as no surprise to her. It was probably one of those jerks that wanted to take her to a love hotel for the night. This made Karen wish that she had not turned down Misato's offer for a self defense class. Running her hands through her pockets Karen checked to make sure she still had it, her trusty mace.
"Are you Karen Ikari?" A man in a black suit asked her from the driver's side of the car.
"Who wants to know?" She was more than a little irate at the man for already knowing her name.
"I'm Ryoma," he pulled out a badge with the NERV symbol on it, "I'm with section two. I was ordered by Col. Katsuragi to bring you to Head Quarters."
Before Karen could utter a reply, her cell phone began to ring. The caller I.D. marked it as Misato's cell. Not even waiting for a response Misato said to the other end, "Get in the car." Before she went silent.
It was then that Karen understood, for she saw the sleeping city come to life once again, lights blared, husbands were leaving their homes and kissing their wives, spot lights reached out to the heavens to light the way. Yes Karen understood then, there was another Angel.
****************
****************
The preparations this time were no where near as frightening as the first time, though it was still all very new to her, Karen went through the motions with no hesitation. There really wasn't much for her to do anyway, just get in her plug suit and wait on her plane.
This was done in a matter of a few minutes. As she sat in the somewhat familiar plane, Karen's day began to catch up with her. She had been up since nearly six this morning, had attended many long classes and babysat a very energetic nine year old boy. As she reflected on her day an unexpected wave of exhaustion over took her, though she did not know what to expect or when she would arrive, the Sixth Child felt confident that she would have enough time to get some sleep. Not wanting to exhaust herself further before a battle, the Sixth gave in to her body's desire, and slept.
She didn't know how long she was out, didn't care to know. Her sleep was as dreamless as she hoped after what had happened to Souske. As her eyes came into focus the first thing she saw was her guardian Misato.
"You're awake?" Karen noticed that her guardian had gone into business mode, as she called it.
"Yeah," she yawned the sleep from her body, "do you have any info this time?"
"Funny," though clearly Misato thought differently, "we're heading to 30 degrees North, 160 degrees East. The new Angel was confirmed in the area about four hours ago."
"What's it doing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?"
"We don't know," the Operations Director handed the Sixth a picture of the area where the Angel was spotted, "you'll pilot Unit One and land on the Aircraft carrier ship, Oz."
"Is this ocean equipment for Unit One finished?" She asked as she looked over the picture.
"No, you'll be supporting Unit Two," Misato did not notice the surprised look on Karen's face, or if she did she tried hard not to look like she did, "you are to spread your A.T. Field to it's maximum in order to aid the Seventh Child."
"You mean-"
"Get into the EVA now." It was not a request, nor was it a debate, faced with this side of Misato, Karen had little choice but to follow orders.
****************
****************
She thought it rather odd that the Evangelion sat on top of the carrier cross legged, but with her lack of room on the surface she had no choice. There was nothing for her to do, after she landed on the carrier Misato had gone silent and all she saw was the Second Evangelion dive into the water to where the Angel had been confirmed. She was not alone though, there were at least twelve other ships surrounding the Oz, ranging from battleships to submarines to destroyers. It reminded her of the dream she had about the Sixth Angel Attack.
The night sky was like a dream, it was pure and pristine, no cloud dare touch it. Only the light of the moon dare invade. It's appearance however only enchanted it. This was the perfect night and maybe the perfect place to be with the one she loved.
"Hey can you hear me?" The familiar voice asked over the communicator, sound only.
"Mr. Nagisa?"
"Kaworu, Kaworu," he reminded her of what he wanted her to call him, sighing abjectly, "so how are things going?"
"Don't you know?" How could he not?
"Know what?"
"I'm support on this mission, the Seventh Child is actually fighting it."
"Really," his voice still sounded the same, if Karen had not know him, she might mistake this voice for someone her own age. "Well support is important too."
"How so?" He didn't answer the question, instead the warnings blared all about her Evangelion. "What's happening?" Her answer came but not as she had hoped it would.
From the depths of the sea the Angel made it's presence know to her, this Angel, who had set it's sights on her, was twice as long as the EVA was tall. from it's back spread a pair of wide fins, the leathery tendons seemed so thin that it actually allowed the moonlight to pass through them, it's tail fin was like that of a dolphin's in comparison with the rest of it's body, just below it's fins were a pair of arms with three fingers on each of them. The Angel had no face, instead it had a brown mass just above it's mouth which contrasted with the gray that colored the rest of it's body. The mouth itself was a nothing but row after row of razor sharp teeth, in the center Karen found the core of the creature, it appeared to be cracked and damaged. Who ever the Seventh was he had at least put up a good fight.
"Karen," through a wave of static that appeared to occur around the Angel Misato spoke, "finish it. The Seventh is too badly hurt to keep on fighting." Her voice reverberated with emergency.
"Right," bringing her Prog. Knife to bear Karen readied to attack the still rising Angel. Trying to stay on the carrier, Karen thrust the knife towards the Angel. However the creature, dodged the thrust and dove back in to the water. "This is bad." The shadow of the beast could be seen in the moonlight speeding under the ships of the fleet. At any moment it could destroy on of the vessels, killing the crew.
"Miss Misato," Karen spoke, hoping that she would be heard over the static, "what would happen if I fell into the water?"
"You'd die," something of the Misato she knew from her home broke through then, terror, "the Angel would make short work of you."
"And if it were already dead?"
"No," she could make out that much over the static. Not waiting for a reply Karen jumped from the carrier into the sky above. At the same time the Angel rose to attack her.
There was but one chance for victory and she knew it, if anything went wrong then it would be the death of her. Now it was all or nothing.
As the two entities met in the night sky the end was decided. Grabbing the Angel by the neck the EVA assured it's safety and kept the teeth from it's body. Using the Progressive Knife in it's other hand it pierced the exposed core, shattering it to pieces. With the form of the Angel now going limp Karen used the EVA to pull it's neck down, then using it's body as a spring board she jumped further into the air and away from the Angel. It could not have been done too soon, for as she landed in the water the Angel exploded.
She sank then waiting for the rescue teams, it would not take long now that the Angel was defeated. Soon she saw her savior, Unit Two. It was badly damaged but it could still swim.
"Hey Red," it was a familiar voice one she hadn't heard in a while, but one she would never forget, "it's been a while hasn't it?"
"Joe?"
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
Note 1: I know that some may find this odd, but in Japan they do use curry as a pizza topping, my point of reference for this is Shin Tenchi Muyo, Great Teacher Onizuka and Oh! My Goddess.
Note 2: Kotatsu is a low table with a space heater underneath and a blanket to cover a persons lap sandwiched between the tabletop and a second uppermost tabletop. Points of reference are Risky/Safety, Love Hina and I believe Ai Yori Aoshi.
Note 3: The song is called So Re I Yu, it's sung by Ayako Kawasumi and is the intro to the second season of Mahoromatic 'Something more beautiful'. I liked it, so in turn I used it. Also I have been planning his scene since I began writing Continuation of Evangelion and have been debating on the best song to use since that time. I think I made a good choice given the overall tone of the scene and the song itself.
So in any event there it is, chapter five. It came out to be pretty lengthy compared to the last one. Well hope I have I entertained you, feel free to tell me yay or nay.
Ryuhiko@hotmail.com