Tales of Evangelion CH 5
The Second Day
"You know, Genis, you don't have to come with me to the bathroom. I am capable of taking baths myself." Shinji said as the two boys walked down the hall, each with a large pile of dirty clothes.
"I'm not doing it for you. I'm all sweaty, and besides, there's a lot of stuff to clean. You could use my help." Genis replied.
"Fine, whatever. I just want to get out of this plug-suit and into the bath."
"I was surprised that Lloyd would let you use one of his old outfits to wear."
"He's the only one that's near my size, and he had outgrown it anyway. I'm not a real fan of leather, but it'll have to do until I find something better."
Genis opened the sliding door leading into the bath. "What's wrong with leather? I think it looks.... Um...." He paused as he looked through the steam towards the pool as he turned white.
"It can shrink drastically; it doesn't offer that much protection against the elements and...Genis, what's wrong?" He asked seeing the boy's plight. Genis pointed a shaky finger at the pool, where two people with long hair was sitting, looking back at them. "Oh, crap. I'm in for it this time."
"AAAAAAHH!!" Collette screamed as she sank low into the water so only her nose was above.
"YOU PERVERTED IDIOTS!! Get out, get out, GET OUT!" Asuka cried as she stood up and began throwing things at the two boys.
Genis and Shinji ran out of the bathroom while getting pelted by bars of soap, furniture, and some select words. Once out, they leaned against the side wall and panted. "What...are they...doing in there?!" Shinji asked out of breath.
"It's supposed...to be the guys turn. I guess...they didn't get...the memo." Genis responded in the same way.
A few seconds later, the door flew open and revealed a fully-clothed and completely enraged Asuka. "IKARI SHINJI!!"
The said pilot's knees buckled and he fell prostrate at her feet. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I thought it was the guys turn to use the baaaaaaaaahhhh!!" A swinging foot found his side and he went sliding down the hallway.
Asuka ran after him while Genis stopped and stared at the two. Collette slowly walked out of the bath, fully-clothed. "You think we should try and stop her, Collette?" Genis couldn't look at the girl out of shame.
"I haven't known her that long, but I'd say that would be a wasted effort."
"I agree with that. Sorry about that Collette. We thought it was the guys turn in the bath. I didn't see anything, really."
"That's good. But just to make sure...Pow Hammer!" Collette pulled out a red and yellow plastic hammer and swung it on top of Genis' head. It made a squeak on impact.
"I guess I deserved that." The boy said as he crumbled to the floor.
On the other side of the hallway, Asuka picked up Shinji by the collar of his plug suit as he screamed out his defense. "It was an accident, I'm sorry! I thought that it was the guys turn in the bath! I didn't see anything!"
Asuka slammed him against the wall and pulled back her fist, "Do you think it's just about that?!"
"What are you talking about?!" Shinji cried as he braced himself for the inevitable hit.
She punched the wall half an inch away from his face, and he relaxed slightly. "Why did you do it, Shinji?" She said through her teeth.
"I told you it was an acci...."
"Why did you carry me? You know I don't want you touching me. You violated me!"
"I did not! You collapsed into me and wouldn't let go! I didn't hold you anywhere inappropriate! I'm not the pervert your mind turns me into!"
"You're lying. I would never grab a hold of the likes of you, and I would have made it on my own fine anyway."
"Who's lying? You were completely exhausted, Asuka. You were out cold for hours and slept through two battles. And even though you don't like it, you held on to me. I'm sorry if that makes you upset but it's the truth."
"But why'd you agree to carry me in..."
"You would rather have been carried by Zelos? Or maybe Regal?"
"The...no. I wouldn't. I don't know them well enough."
"So given the options, was it so bad for me to bring you here?"
"No, I guess it wasn't." She snapped back to her angry self. "But what kind of crappy choices were they?! Why couldn't I have a hunk like Kaji catch me instead?" Shinji just blinked. "Grrr. The bath is free now, idiot. Next time knock before you barge in. Now get clean. You really stink."
Asuka went to the girls room and Collette soon followed, but not before stopping by Shinji. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'm fine."
"You should get the Professor to check out your side. It looks like it will have a nice bruise."
"Maybe later. By the way, I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Thanks. Me too." She left, and Shinji walked back towards the bath while picking up the clothes he dropped along the way. Genis stood by the door with a large bump on the top of his head. "What happened to you?"
He rubbed his head and winced when he touched the bump, "Collette's version of revenge. Let's get going, huh?" They both walked into the bath, but a giant axe landed in between them. They both jumped backwards at an angle away from the axe. "What the heck?!"
Shinji looked towards the pool, and a girl with pink hair and a girl with blue hair stared back at him. "What...I mean...how...I mean...sorry for interrupting, but how'd you get in here?" He averted his gaze in remembrance of his accident with Rei.
Rei just stared at the boys with an unfeeling gaze, but Presea seemed slightly annoyed with them as she put down the arm that she threw her axe with. "We entered through the door you just came through." Rei said matter-of-factly.
"Approximately three minutes ago." Presea completed.
"No way!" Genis was amazed, "The only people that were in the hallway were me, Shinji, Collette, and Asuka. We would have seen you." He continued watching them like everything was normal.
"Ikari had his eyes closed in brace of a punch by Pilot Soryu when we passed."
"And Genis was crumpled on the floor, recovering from the head injury given by Collette." Presea finished Rei's comment.
"But...but...it's the guys turn in here!" Shinji stuttered.
"Yeah! What's the deal?" Genis folded his arms and pouted.
"We entered the pool exactly one minute before the expected swap. Therefore, we get the pool until we decide to come out." Rei said blankly.
"That's not fair! You'd keep us waiting until the next girls shift is on!" Genis complained.
"Even so, we are the ones in this pool washing up, while you are looking at us in our nude forms." Presea frowned.
The realization hit Genis and his entire body stiffened. He turned red and spun around. "I...I...I'm sorry! Forgive me for the intrusion!" Then whispered, "Shinji, let's get out of here!"
"I'm right behind you. Ayanami, could you at least give us a decent amount of time to bathe before the guy's shift is over?" He didn't wait for an answer and the two boys began to walk towards the door.
"Ikari." Rei said as they entered the threshold of the door. They stopped dead in their tracks. "If you wish, you may join us. We are colleagues after all, you and I."
"N...n...no thanks!" Shinji ran out of the room, but soon realized he was alone. Genis was still in the doorframe, frozen in place with a small nosebleed. He ran back to get the boy. "Come on, Genis." He pulled him through the door and closed it, and they ran back to the men's bedroom.
The boy recovered from his shocked state, and looked at Shinji. "Um, let's not tell the others about this. Zelos would have a field day."
"Agreed. We'll just wait until the girls are finished and get in there as soon as possible."
From behind a screen in the women's bedroom, Asuka called out from behind a screen. "Hey Collette. How attached are you to this ensemble?"
"You mean the clothes I gave you? They're yours now. Do what you like to them."
"Ok, thanks." Asuka began to shift and rip parts of her dress to alter it. She emerged from behind the curtain. "Ta-da!" The front coat tails that were on Collette's dress were ripped off on Asuka's dress and tied to the shoulder and wrist. One of the back coattails was used to make a longer shoulder strap for comfort, and the other was fashioned into a sheathe for a dagger or sword.
"Wow, Asuka! You've got great fashion sense! Those are some amazing alterations." Collette applauded.
"Thanks. It's a gift."
Asuka earned the title of "Fashionable Customizer."
"Hey, where's Raine?" Collette looked around.
"I think she said something about going to fetch Genis. For some ice, I think."
"Oh, okay!"
After knocking, Raine entered the men's sleeping cabin. "Good morning everyone."
Lloyd yawned, "Good morning, Professor. How is everyone doing?"
"It seems that Collette and Asuka are back to their normal selves. Sheena's ankles are starting to swell up. That's to be expected. I've actually come to see if Genis could help me make some ice for her."
"Sure thing Sis." He ran up to her, smiling. His Cool Orbit Kendama was at the ready.
Raine sniffed the air, "Woah! What is that?" She did so again. "Genis, is that you?"
Genis rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess so. I didn't get the chance to take a bath this morning yet. Sorry."
"Whew, that's ripe! Ok, new plan. Zelos...you can wield magic. You'll make the ice.
"Fine. Fine. Someone bring up some breakfast for me ok?" Zelos got up and followed Raine.
As they exited, Rei and Presea entered. "Ikari." Rei said. "We have completed. You may use the facilities. You may as well, Master Sage."
"We will take our leave now." Presea finished.
"Um, hey Presea!" Genis called out.
The girl turned around. "What is it?"
"How's that sharpening stone I gave you working out?"
"It is very useful. And very thoughtful. Thank you. Goodbye."
The two left the room which became completely silent.
Lloyd spoke first. "'Master Sage?' Does she always talk like that?"
"Basically, yes." Shinji said quietly, "She has never called me by my first name. As far as I know, she's only called my father 'Commander' or 'Commander Ikari.' You'll probably have to get used to it. She'll probably give you all embarrassing titles, like 'Lord Irving' 'Mister Regal' and such. She always calls me and Asuka 'Pilot.' That irks her to no end."
"You're right, that is kind of embarrassing. But even so the bath is free." Genis jumped up and raised his arms, "Now to get clean."
"Woah! Genis! Put your arms down, that isn't helping the smell!" Lloyd put on a silly grin.
"Why you!!!" Genis growled.
Shinji grabbed the boy by the shoulder and dragged him towards the door. "Come on, Genis. Let it go."
"Ugh, my head." Sheena slowly awoke. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes what Zelos with his sword out. "I must still be asleep. The only time I see him is in my nightmares."
"Ouch!" Zelos winced.
"Sedated people don't dream, Sheena." Raine appeared next to him.
"Damn! I guess it hurts to much to be a dream anyway. Where am I?"
"You're in the Ozette Inn remember?" Raine said. "Thank you Zelos, this will do for now."
"Sure, just call me later if you need any more." He left the room.
"You've been a lot of trouble lately, young lady. Why did you refuse my treatment?"
"I...I...I hate being doctored. I respect doctors for what they do, but I don't like them doing it to me. After I failed with Volt, I was injured very badly. I was constantly monitored by doctors for a month, and their cures almost hurt more than the affliction. I vowed never to get hurt that badly again. But I ran into you guys at Luin."
"I healed you then. Why didn't you stop me then, or hate me for it afterwards?"
"I was far too weak to do anything at the time, and the way you cured me, it didn't hurt. I knew that you would do your best this time too, but...I was reacting like I normally would. I'm sorry."
"I see. Memory has powerful effects over judgment, so I can't blame you. As you know, I have an aversion to water. Even so, I fought against that fear to ride on the EC and other things. You can too. I promise that you won't get hurt by any of my treatments without your approval first. Is that satisfactory?"
"Yes. Thanks. So what are you doing now?"
"Zelos and I have created an ice pack around the sprains. That will reduce the swelling slightly. Later I want you to hit the bath and soak in there for a while. You can get the mud off, and some heat will also soothe the wound."
"I see. So when will we be able to continue?"
"We'll stay here for one more night. By that time, you should be able to walk on your own. I would ask you to keep from fighting for at least a week after that, but knowing you, I'll cut that down to three days at least."
"But..."
"No buts. You've got to rest or you'll risk injuring yourself again. Do you understand?"
"I...yeah."
"Keep that ice on for a few more hours, then we'll both head to the bath and get washed up. I'll go tell everyone that you're awake."
The rest of the day went smoothly, with each person doing their own separate indoor activities to keep them occupied. (Probably because I can't think of any more filler for today.) At sunset, they said their good nights and fell asleep.
Deep in the heart of the Holy Ground of Kharlan, many half-elves are wide awake. Lord Yggdrassil entered the chamber he knew well. In it, the Great Seed of the Kharlan Tree hovered, suspended and encapsulated by three beams of Mana emanating from three pillars. The fourth pillar didn't send any energy.
Yggdrassil frowned, "The seal of water is no longer transmitting Mana. Undinie you traitorous Summon Spirit."
An image of a young green-blonde appeared in the Seed. "Sister. It has been a while. Do not worry. Soon, you will return to this world, and we will be able to live together in a peaceful land made just for our race!"
The image didn't respond to his words, it just disappeared into the Seed again.
Kratos walked in behind him and went down on one knee. "Lord Yggdrassil."
"What is it you want, Kratos? You know I don't like to be disturbed when I'm here."
"My humblest apologies sir, but this matter requires your approval, and it concerns our goals."
"Continue."
"We do not have enough Mana to provide for the next Cruxius Crystal experiment and the assault at the same time. In fact, we do not have enough Mana to produce either at this time."
"What?! How is that possible?! I've thought everything out perfectly! If anything, we should have excess!"
"I believe it is Rodyle. He seems to be sending us less and less Mana every week. Our greatest Mana mine is run by his Ranch, and he is using much more of it than he is telling us about...for some unknown purpose."
"That overconfident nitwit!"
"Should I send a team to remove him?" Kratos stood up.
Yggdrassil looked to the fourth pillar. "No. We need him. Tell Forcystus and the Tethe'-allan Pope to intensify their mining operations. Divert all necessary Mana to prepare for the assault. Then, I want that Cruxius Crystal completed once the assault is over."
"Understood." Kratos turned to leave.
"Kratos, wait." The Cruxius Angel stopped. "We have been friends for a very long time. Has that changed?"
"No, sir."
"Then why do you not call me by the name I was given?"
"Calling you by your title is a sign of respect, Lord Yggdrassil. Though I am honored that you would let me call you by your first name, I could not, because it would not show the respect that I have for you."
"You are very honorable, Kratos. I only wish that some day, you will be able to say it without feeling guilty."
"When your victory is final, I will most surely."
"That day will soon be at hand. Send in Pronyma when you leave."
"Understood. Good day to you, my Lord." The human Seraphim left.
"Soon indeed."
The Desian Grand Cardinal Pronyma teleported into the chamber. "You wished to see me, my Lord?"
"Yes. Excellent timing, Pronyma. I have a task for you."
"Anything you desire, sir."
"I will be going on a little...trip. There has been a delay in the production of the next Cruxius Crystal. I am turning the control of the project over to you until my return. The crystal will be completed by then."
"L...lord Yggdrassil! I am not worthy of such an honor."
"On the contrary. You are the perfect candidate. Once the crystal is completed, follow these instructions." He handed her a piece of clear plastic. "Use the Core Control Computer to decipher it. I'm allowing you clearance for that."
"I see. Thank you, sir!"
"You are dismissed."