Just for a Little Longer...
The brown-haired woman laughs, watching her two young children play in the grass. The older one is gentle with his younger brother and it's clear he cares deeply for the smaller boy. Their childish laughter fills the cherry-scented breeze and the woman is happy.
Their play, however, is interrupted when, suddenly, the elder boy cries out, bending double.
"Yoshiko! Mama-chan!" The woman leaps to her feet, running to the boys and falling to her knees beside them.
"Yoshiko! What's wrong?!" she asks in a panicked voice, drawing him into her arms. He is clutching his heart, eyes squeezed shut in pain.
"Mama...it hurts...make it stop..." he pants, crying. She rocks him gently, trying to sooth his fears. Her other boy stands next to her, also crying and clutching his brother's hand.
"Shh...it'll pass, Yoshiko...just stay calm and still..." she murmurs.
"I'll take the boy. He needs more tests." HE appears suddenly and the woman huddles over her son protectively, eyes angry.
"You won't touch him; you've already done enough!"
"Then perhaps you'd like me to take Shinji..." He reaches for the younger child but she grabs him as well.
"Monster." There are tears of fury in her eyes as she speaks. "To do something like this to your own children!"
"I'll go..." She looks quickly down at her eldest son.
"Yoshiko!"
"If Shinji can be safe...I'll do anything." He struggles up from her arms and his father is quick to scoop him up. The woman watches, tearfully, as her child is carried away...
(Cut)
Rei awoke, covered in a cold sweat. She sat up and carefully crawled over Asuka who was snoring beside her. Silently, she crept from the room into the living room where she stood at the window, watching the dark sky.
She and Asuka had been staying at Misato's ever since Narikage's capture a few days prior. The woman hadn't thanked them outright, but the relief of having company was clearly evident in her eyes when they had announced their prolonged stay. Of course, she hadn't come out of her room much since then.
Rei heard a noise beside her and glanced down. Penpen squeaked softly and the girl smiled slightly, bending to pick him up. He snuggled deep in her arms with a little sigh. He was glad for the company too.
"Why do you think I'm having these dreams, Penpen?" she asked in a soft voice, looking out the window once more. "Ever since Narikage was locked up, I've been having dreams involving him, Shinji, and that woman. And they all somehow end in Commander Ikari taking Narikage away."
She sighed, resting her hot forehead on the cool glass. "What should I do, Shinji? I'm so lost..."
"...Yoshiko..."
Rei's head snapped up and she looked around for the source of the whisper.
"...Yoshiko..."
There it was again.
The teen hugged Penpen tighter to her chest, her red eyes darting around the dark room. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a slight shadow that was gone the instant she turned her head. After a few beats of silence, she smiled a little.
"I understand...Shinji-kun."
(Cut)
"You're crazy, you know that? There's no WAY you'll get in to see him. He's under guard 24/7!" Asuka followed behind her friend, listing endless reasons as to why she shouldn't even try to talk to the commander.
"I have to TRY, Asuka. If I don't, I'll never figure out why I'm having such strange dreams. Besides, you might be able to come too."
"Why would I want to see HIM?"
"You want that 'thank you', don't you?"
"Cheap shot. You've been hanging out with me too long." Rei smiled a little, knocking on Commander Fuyutski's door. After a pause, there was a fain call and the girls entered.
"Asuka, Rei. To what do I owe the honor?" The Commander laid a bundle of papers on his desk, removing his glasses.
"We wished to speak to you about Narikage."
"I'm sorry, Rei, but all of his files are confidential—"
"No, Commander. We don't want information on him."
"Then what?" Asuka stepped forward.
"We want to see him."
"Out of the question?"
"Why?"
"Narikage is a potential danger."
"He's not dangerous," Rei put in. "He's never hurt either one of us."
"That may be true, but his blood has tested well above 90 for the presence of angel DNA. There's always a possibility—"
"How do you know he hasn't been at that number all along?" Asuka challenged. The Commander fumbled for a moment. "I mean, his condition was completely unknown until now. Therefore, you really don't know how long he's been at that number." He fumbled for a moment later, trying to think a way out of the box Asuka had cornered him in. They gave Narikage tests at least twice a day and so far, there was no variance in the findings. He gave up, shaking his head.
"You're too smart for your won good, Asuka. Very well, I'll let you two see him. Only for fifteen minutes," he added quickly. "And you will be watched by a security camera the whole time. I'll have a guard escort you two down to his room." He jotted something down on two cards and held them out to the girls. "These are you passes, one time use only. Wait outside and someone will come for you." The girls took their passes with a bow before leaving the office.
"Good job, Asuka," Rei congratulated when they were in the hall. "I never would have thought of a reason like that."
"It helps to be a genius," the German said with a semi-smug look. Rei smiled a little, deciding it best not to say anything.
(Cut)
"It's so dark down here..." Even though Asuka spoke in a tone barely above a whisper, her voice echoed through the bare metal hallway. The guard walking ahead glanced back with a glare, which both Rei and Asuka promptly ignored.
"I can't believe they would keep him in a place like this," Rei replied. This time, the guard shushed them.
They rounded a slight bend and came face to face with a thick metal door. The guard punched in a code and it slid open to reveal another door, which also had to be opened with a code. Once they were through those obstacles, they had to pass through a security checkpoint, where they had to surrender their passes. This time, they had to be buzzed through.
Finally, they entered the darkest hall yet. The only light came from the pale panel lights overhead, half of which were burned out. A few meters ahead, they could see another, slightly brighter light coming from a small, square window set in a titanium door. This was the door the guard led them to and, after using several keys and two codes, opened it for the two girls.
The walls, ceiling, and floor was heavily padded with some sort of white insulator. The lights overhead were on the weak side, but still cast enough light to see by. Mounted in each ceiling corner was a black security camera.
Narikage himself was seated in the further corner from the door, dressed in the pale blue hospital pajamas he had been taken in. His silver wings were back and arched majestically from his shoulders in a rather impressive span. Two books rested by his knee, unopened, although his pale fingers toyed with the binding. When the door opened, he had looked up and though his expression didn't change, Rei and Asuka saw the pleased look in his eye.
"Fifteen minutes, girls." The guard glared hard and Narikage. "And don't you try anything funny."
"I save it all for you," he replied with dry sarcasm. "Now, kindly leave me with my guests or we shall have a repeat of last night, ne?"
The guard left in a hurry.
"What was that all about?" Asuka couldn't help but ask.
"He him me last night so I hit him back." Narikage gestured to his wings. "They have their uses. What brings the two of you here?" Rei sat down across form him, careful not to get too close to his wings.
"She wanted to come so I had to come too for safety reasons," Asuka declaired, flopping down next to her friend. Narikage's eyes shifted to Rei.
"Well?" Rei, now faced with the boy, realized she had no clue how to start.
"I've been having dreams," she finally said after a few beats of silence.
"You came quite a long way to tell me that."
"Shut up," Asuka snapped.
"But these aren't normal dreams," Rei continued as if neither had spoken. "They all involve you, Shinji, and a woman with short brown hair. You and Shinji are only children and the dreams always end with you being taken away by Commander Ikari." Narikage smiled a little, but it was a sad smile.
"The woman you se is my mother. And they aren't dreams so much as memories."
"Memories?"
"Hai."
"But...how is that possible?"
"When Gendo used my mother's cells to create you, some of the memories must have transferred. The stronger the memory, the easier it carried over."
"That's impossible!"
"So is a half human, half angel, ne?"
"But...if they ARE memories...why do I see your mother? Wouldn't I just see everything through her eyes?"
"There memories aren't perfect, no memory really is. In this case, these memories are just copies of the originals. YOU haven't experience first-hand so they're...well, whispers of sorts. This allows you to see them from a third-person perspective instead of my mother's first." Rei sat back on her heels, trying to digest all of this new information.
"Wait a second. Let me get this straight: Rei is your mother's clone?!"
"No, a clone is an exact genetic copy. Because of a few genetic changes, Rei is more like her daughter, born of ONLY her cells. Of course, there are always some things that remain unaltered on the genetic level." Narikage reached out, taking one of Rei's hands. "These are exactly like my mother's and so is that shape of your face and facial features. You even wear a haircut similar to hers. Gendo always liked those things best about her so he made sure to incorporate them in you." Narikage's hands fell from hers and he picked up one of the books, placing it in her lap.
"What...?" Rei said dazedly, reeling from the information and this abrupt action.
"It was one of her favorites. I want you to have it." Understand broke through.
"I can't. It's too precious." She tried to press it back into his arms but he put it right back in hers.
"It won't do me any good after I'm gone. I have it memorized anyway. I want it to have a good home." He picked up the other book, holding it out to Asuka, who blinked.
"You're giving ME one? I don't even like you!" He smiled.
"I've noticed." Asuka stared at him then scooted forward, laying her hand on the thick volume. Before surrendering it, however, he drew her forward and kissed her full on the lips. Asuka let out a shriek loud enough to wake the dead and was halfway across the room before Narikage had a chance to sit back down.
"WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT?!!" she screamed, face bright red. Narikage let out a small laugh.
"Gomen, but I couldn't die without having kissed a girl at least once."
"KISS HER!"
"Your face is much better than hers would have been." He settled back in his place, a small smile still hovering about his lips.
"Arigato, Narikage...for the book," Rei said quietly.
"You're welcome, Ayanami-san. Take good care of it."
"I will."
"Now, there's something I have to tell both of you." His look suddenly became very serious and intense. "When the time comes, you must not hesitate."
"Time comes for what?"
"For my death. I'm and angel and, as Eva pilots, it's your duty to eradicate me. So, when the time comes, don't hesitate."
"No problems here," Asuka muttered, still scrubbing furiously at her mouth. "In fact, I'll do it right now."
"Asuka." Rei turned back to Narikage. "How can we not hesitate? You're a person."
"No, I'm not. Not anymore. Once the DNA had full control, I will only know one thing: that I must kill. No one will be safe from me so you two must stop me at all costs, and the only way to do that is to end my life."
"I...I don't think I can..." Rei said in a faint voice.
"You can." He laid his hand over hers. "You are stronger than you know, Rei. Both of you are. This is why I have faith in you, faith that you will do what is right."
"But...I..."
"Time's up!" Two guards slammed their way into the room, both looking rather angry for some reason. Narikage stood and both men automatically reached for the guns strapped to their hip.
"Relax, gentlemen; I'm standing to see these ladies from my LOVELY home." He reached his hand out to Rei who slowly took it. Narikage drew her gently to her feet then kissed her cheek quickly. "Arigato, Rei."
"For what?"
"For watching over Shinji when I couldn't." He turned to Asuka who leapt up on her own.
"Oh no you don't! You've already kissed me once and I don't want another!" Narikage chuckled.
"I wasn't going to give you one." He bent and retrieved her fallen book, pressing it into her hands. "I owe you a thanks as well, Asuka. I enjoyed our fights...even though I lost most of them. And thank you for saving me the other day as well; I know that's what you came to hear." Asuka's cheeks darkened slightly and, for once, she didn't snap a smart-ass comment. She just smiled a ghost smile, hugging the book to her chest.
"Hurry up!" a guard snapped. The girls turned and made their way to the door, walking as slow as possible. When they reached the door, they both glanced back. Narikage was still standing, watching them go with the look of one who has lost all hope. As they watched, a bloody tear slipped from his eye and he quickly turned his head away so they wouldn't see.
Then, suddenly, as one, both girls ran forward, each throwing an arm around him. Narikage's wings fluttered in surprise but a moment later, he managed a small smile, returning the hugs. His wings fluttered again then wrapped gently around each girl as if to protect them forever.
"Arigato...Rei...Asuka..." he whispered so only they would hear.
"That's enough!" The girls were ripped from his arms a moment later and, despite the loud protest for all parties, were dragged out.
(Cut)
"Kaji...are you sure about this?" Misato asked in a soft whisper as they crept down the dark hallway.
"Yes; don't worry. My guys are at the desk and I rewired the security cameras in Narikage's room so they'll just see him sleeping if they review the tape. Just remember: you won't have more than thirty minutes before the guard change." Misato nodded and they continued on their way.
As promised, it was a couple of Kaji's 'acquaintances' sitting at the checkpoint desk. When they saw the pair, they nodded, buzzing them through.
"See? Piece of cake. I'll wait for you here," he said as they entered the last dark hallway. "When you have five minutes left, I'll flash the lights." She nodded again, her mouth too dry for her to speak. She made her way forward slowly and on her own. After the walk that took an eternity, she reached Narikage's cell door, using the codes and keys Kaji had given her to open it.
When Rei and Asuka had visited a few days prior the room had still been new and, for lack of a better description, in wonderful condition. Now, however, the padding on the walls and ceiling were slashed open and the white fluff from inside was escaping. Embedded deeply in the padding—especially the ceiling—were silver feathers.
Narikage was huddled in a blood-stained corner, his arms, face, and neck covered in deep scratches, some of which still bled. His silver wings clawed at the walls around him, ripping the soft cloth to little more than shreds. He didn't even acknowledge her entrance until a small cry left her and she threw herself down in front of him, taking care to avoid the wild wings.
"Narikage! Oh my God...what happened?" She gathered the boy in her arms.
"M-Misato-san?" His voice was hoarse and he looked up at her with bloodshot eyes. The deep cut on his left cheekbone was dripping blood but he didn't even seem to notice it.
"Yes, Narikage, it's me," she said in a quiet, soothing voice. She took a handkerchief from her pocket, dabbing gently at the gash. "What happened? Are the guards doing this to you?" He shook his head slowly, as if it pained him...which it probably did.
"No. I can barely keep control now...whenever I cant...they hurt my body," he replied, gesturing to his angrily quivering wings.
"But are you being treated alright? Do the guards hurt you?" Narikage's eyes skipped away, confirming Misato's fears. Her eyes flashed. "Fucking BASTARDS! I'll KILL them!" Narikage shook his head, quicker this time.
"You can't do anything, Misato-san. They'll arrest you for sneaking in here."
"That doesn't matter! They shouldn't be beating you!"
"It doesn't matter if they beat me; their marks heal quickly. Besides, I'll be doing a lot worse to them and everyone else soon."
"What does that mean?"
"The DNA is over 96 now, I can feel it. It won't be long now until it takes over." Narikage's eyes, though exhausted, were still intense as he looked up at her. "You're going to have to have me killed."
"I can't do that."
"You have to."
"No! There has to be another way!" He took her hand in his and she realized his were ice cold.
"Misato, we both know there isn't. I'm an angel and angels must be destroyed." Tears gathered in his guardian's eyes.
"How can you ask me to destroy you?"
"Because there is no other way. Once the angel within me is fully awakened, I will have one mission: kill everyone and demolish everything. I won't hesitate to kill even you. Therefore, you MUST NOT hesitate to have me killed. The girls...it will be hard for them, but I know they can do it. But I need to know that you won't try to stop them. For my own peace of mind, onegai, Misato-san...promise you won't."
"I...I..." She squeezed her eyes shut for a long moment then slowly, painfully, nodded. "Yes, Narikage...I'll order it done..."
"Ariagato...and I have one more thing to ask."
"I'm afraid of what it is."
"You need to get me out of here. It's dangerous for me to be in NERV when I'm an angel. The Commander believes he'll be able to contain me in here but..."
"But?"
Narikage reached out and tore some of the already demolished padding away, revealing the thick metal wall. Long gouges, a good inch deep, were already visible. "This damage is at 96. Imagine it at 100. How long do you think these walls will last?" Misato touched one of the grooves.
"You did this?"
"My wings did, yes. And they'll get deeper and deeper until they punch through. I cannot get loose in NERV." Misato looked back at him with a sad smile.
"I was already planning on getting you out, but I'm still trying to think of a way."
"I can get out of this room; I already have the perfect idea. I just need you to get me out of the building."
"I'll think of something."
"Arigato." Abruptly, he let out a loud yawn, blushing slightly when he was finished. "Gomen nasai."
"You haven't slept, have you? I can see through you're skin, you're so white. And there are black circles under your eyes."
"I can't sleep." His eyes skipped away from hers once more.
"Nightmares?"
"Hai...they're getting worse," he admitted in a quiet voice. Misato sat so her legs rested sideways and patted her lap.
"Lay down." Narikage looked surprised.
"I couldn't..."
"It's alright." She gave him a gentle smile, patting her lap again. Narikage hesitated again. It DID look inviting...
He gave a small nod, his wings slowly dissolving to nothing as he slowly laid down, his head resting in her lap. "Can you always make them do that?"
"No...only when I'm in control." His voice was already a little heavier.
"Just rest...I'll stay until you fall asleep," she promised in a soft murmur, stroking his dark head.
"Arigato...Mama..." Narikage trailed off as he drifted into a deep sleep. Misato smiled a little, continuing her slow, soothing movements.
"If I ever have a son, Narikage, I hope he's just like you," she whispered. The lights over her head flashed but she remained where she was.
Just for a little while longer, she wanted to stay with him.
Just for a little longer...