Standard Disclaimer!
Been awhile hasn't it? Sorry again but time restraints do exist that prohibit my ability to write as much as I'd like. My newest one is Final Fantasy XI, evil game ^_^
But I'm going to keep plugging along, hopefully you continue to read this and continue to give feedback. I know its cliché but the more you review the more inspiration I get so.don't hold back ok?
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Out of Disaster Chapter 13 Changing times
Awareness slowly began to creep into Shinji's mind as he regained consciousness. He felt a dull ache all about his body and a haze in his mind. His eyes still closed he tried to recall the last thing he could remember, but found only an empty space and a feeling of warmth.
Letting his eyes open, he prayed he didn't see pearly gates, or a fiery pit when he did. He saw neither signifying he hadn't died in his last battle, a sense of profound relief, one greater than he thought possible, was lifted. His eyes were granted the view of a darkened hospital room. Cursing the drab ceiling that he was always forced to see after his little encounters, his eyes wafted over to his bedside.
His eyes were filled by something that was in stark contrast to the depressing surroundings. Voice filled with joy, "Shinobu? You came to see me? How long were you here?"
The dark blue haired girl didn't say anything, but looked at Shinji kindly, if not a bit confused. She felt confused when she found the boy before her hugging her fiercely. 'Why Shinomu's friend hugging me?'
As part of his memory returned to him, the part about his recent near death experience. Shinji had a profound desire to hold on to any sense of comfort at this moment. With Nyamo in his arms, Shinji kept his eyes shut and his adrenalin coursed through his veins. He'd been close to death before, but at those times he hadn't cared much for his life, but now things were different.
The door opened and the light blazed on, bathing the room in its sterile light. "Sorry for sending you ahead of me Nyamo, I had to talk to Katsuragi- san on the phone about letting Naru-sempai pick.you.up." Shinobu came to a halt mid stride.
Hearing Shinobu from across the room, Shinji's eyes opened. "Shinobu?" He then looked at the girl in his arms. Nyamo smiled lightly at Shinji, thinking that this was a Japanese custom that she was unfamiliar with.
Marking the stark difference in skin color the two girls had, Shinji was still very confused. "There's not two of you.right?"
Despite a feeling of slight jealousy, Shinobu gave into a fit of gentle laughs, instead of her usual hysterics. "No Shinji, this is Nyamo." She laughed a bit harder as Shinji quickly recoiled from the girl and tried his best to hid under his sheets. "It's ok. Many people say we look exactly the same."
"Hi Shingi! You Shinomu's friend right?" Nyamo's voice full energy. Her slur of both their names and the way she said them sealed Shinji and Nyamo's friendship.
Removing the sheet from his head, Shinji let Nyamo's jovial nature wash over him. His previous thoughts about his own mortality lost in the moment. "Yes I'm Shinobu's friend. How long.how long have I been here?"
Taking a seat next to Nyamo at Shinji's bedside, "You've been sleeping for eight years Shinji."
His face going pale and his jaw unhinging, "You lie!"
Both girls started laughing, Nyamo outright and Shinobu more demure, hiding her mouth behind her hand. "Yes it was a little joke, you should have seen your face."
Feeling a little betrayed by the joke at his expense, Shinji scowled a little bit. "That was mean Shinobu." Something about Shinobu's actions felt a little odd to Shinji right then. She was usually more reserved about such matters.
"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help it. You've been here for three days. This is the first day the let me in to see you," Shinobu admitted, her voice a mix of joy and sadness. "To be honest I just got word that our ride has arrived to take us back to home."
Noting and sharing in her depression, Shinji was hoping to actually talk to her. Something in the deeper recesses of his mind spurred him to talk to her, and Rei. "I guess we can talk at school."
Seeing the two people by her looking so sad, Nyamo soon spoke, "Shinomu no have leave so soon."
Wishing Nyamo were right Shinobu shook her head. She knew they spent the better part of the day at Shinji's bedside. While the stay wasn't boring as the two had a great chance to catch up. Shinobu knew Naru wouldn't make another trip and the trains were still down after the last attack.
"We'll see you tomorrow Shinji," Shinobu finally said as she stood up. Acting before her mind had a chance to realize it. She leaned over him and kissed his forehead. "Take care now."
Enjoying the brief contact, Shinji found that he wasn't blushing. He thanked the girls for their concern and bid them farewell. As the door shut, both of the would-be couple thought of how that small kiss symbolized something new had happened in their relationship.
As she entered the car that Naru borrowed from Haruka, Shinobu was still fighting back tears of fear. Fear that she may still lose the boy she left in bed. Either to an angel attack or his other would be suitor, who she knew was at and would be at his bedside.
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Across the city, said girl was dressed in her work attire. She wasn't alone either, and her companion was anything but silent. So as Shinji settled down for a nap after a rush of fatigue, Asuka and Rei were just beginning another battery of tests.
"Why do I have to sit here on my day off? It was baka that got eaten not me!" Asuka whined more to relax her nerves than out of any real annoyance.
Not pleased with her duties as the proctor for said sync tests, Misato wasn't in the mood to listen to Asuka at the present moment. "What's wrong Asuka, miss Shinji already? He's probably still asleep anyway."
Anger and a bit of embarrassment rose in the young redhead. She was worried about her bed-ridden friend and did hope to see him leave the hospital soon. She just couldn't let others know she had any feelings for him. "Why would I want to see him? Rushing off acting all cool just to get caught like that."
Before Misato, who was now actually enjoying her position that allowed her to tease Asuka unmercifully, could speak, Rei's voice channel registered in both women's ears. "I want to see him."
Remembering her bout of eavesdropping, Asuka couldn't help but grimace. If she keeps applying pressure on him, he'll crack, was the thought that reverberated in Asuka's mind. "Why would you want to see him for wonder girl. Because he's the commander's son?"
From her view in the command center, Misato was wondering the same. She had her previous suspicious that something had existed between Rei and Shinji. She had thought that Asuka and then later Shinobu's entrance in his life had turned Shinji away from the shy girl. 'Who does Shinji like more? He spends a lot of time with Shinobu but for Rei to show any readable signs SOMETHING must be there.'
"His relation to Commander Ikari is irrelevant. I wish to see him based upon my.feelings regarding him," Rei said, hesitating to admit to anybody but Ritsuko about her feelings.
Knowing what she did about Rei's feeling about Shinji, Asuka still wanted to defend Shinobu's chances. "Then why didn't you help him before? You left him to die."
Finally turning her face away from the tube lining, Rei looked squarely into Asuka's eyes, "As did you, if I remember correctly."
The barb did its work and Asuka's argument deteriorated to nothing but swear words and threats. She didn't like having her pride or her failure to help a comrade tossed into her face. Rei disabled the comm. link to the second sync chamber, deeming the conversation over. She didn't like being reminded of her failure either.
Misato wasn't through though. She had questions that she wanted answered. "Rei, why DO you like Shinji?"
The blue haired girl sighed slightly. She was hoping to have this test to devote to self-reflection. The question of orders or emotions still played heavily on her thoughts. Still a superior was addressing her, so Rei felt obligated to answer. "He treats me like I am worth something."
'Like she's worth something, what does that mean?' Misato pondered as she gave the situation some more thought. After giving Asuka's chamber a brief glance, and finding her still fuming, "Is that the only reason?"
Astounding, Misato saw something she thought she never would, Rei was smiling. It was a very small one, but she was smiling. "No. There are other reasons."
A small lump formed in Misato's throat. She had thought Shinji and Shinobu were soon to be a sure thing, but a nagging feeling that maybe, just maybe Shinji should give some possible consideration towards Rei's feelings. 'I feel so sorry for Shinji-kun right now,' was all she could think. "What about Shinobu?"
Rei's minute expression was washed away the moment Misato spoke. "I doubt she will be able to pursue him much longer."
Knowing that Rei meant the growing chances that Tokyo-3 would eventually be off limits to civilians, Misato nodded and told her to continue to focus on synchronization. 'She has a point. If he chooses Shinobu and she is forced out of the city, what would happen to him? But they seem so close. This is too much even for me to think about. Guess we'll just have to wait."
Watching the two girls attempt to meld their minds with their machines, Misato's mind was still wrestling with one concept. "Whom is Rei talking to about this stuff? She can't be learning all this on her own."
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As Misato pondered Rei's source of guidance, said woman was waking the sleeping third child. Ritsuko used her position as doctor to not only escape the boredom of watching the pilots during sync tests, but also she was now given a chance to give Shinji a little push towards her intended goal.
'He does look peaceful in his sleep, nothing like his father,' she mused as she saw the boy stir under her soft shaking. Finally the bedridden patients eyes opened and focused on his new visitor.
"Hello Dr. Akagi, was I sleeping long?" he asked as he sat up, but not so far as to have his sheet fall to far.
After taking a look at and then removing the I.V. from his forearm she told him that for all her knowledge she doubted it. "So how are you feeling?"
Watching his legs' silhouettes move in minute frustration he tried to formulate the exact words to define how he felt. "Physically I'm fine but."
Ritsuko's eyes widened a tad; she didn't think he could have suffered any mental damage. All her tests proved that he didn't suffer and cranial damage. "Trouble remembering things, vision fuzzy?"
Shinji shook his head, "Nothing like that. Just the whole 'near death' thing."
The doctor nodded and made an acknowledgement sound in her throat. 'Nothing to be worried about, may even help me out,' the steadily growing wicked side of her mind offered. Taking the seat that Shinobu had roughly an hour ago, Ritsuko was going to have a little chat with her patient. "Its only natural to fear death, you and those who care about you. You know we had to order Rei to leave your bedside."
A look of mild surprise appeared on the young Ikari's face at that statement. He hadn't thought Rei would have wasted her time like that. 'Sure she says she likes me, but to have to be ordered to leave?'
As Ritsuko saw the brow of her target furrow she pressed a bit further. "Misato hadn't told me you two had gotten so close."
"But we're.not really that close," Shinji's words weak and full of confusion. All that was happening to him was occurring to fast. The attack, Shinobu, and now Ritsuko telling him Rei had also been there to visit him.
'Such innocence,' Ritsuko thought bitterly, 'just like I was before him.' Forcing her lips to form a smile, she took the boy's hand in hers. "Don't be modest. Rei doesn't just open up to anybody. I'm glad you two are getting closer. Of all the pilots she is the most excluded. Maybe being with somebody that treats her nice would do her a world of good."
Shinji didn't know what to say, he simply let the words sink in. Trying not to focus too much on what he was just told he let his mind wander over the feeling of Ritsuko's hand. He had held Shinobu's hand on occasion, as well as Ayanami's a few times while helping her, but Ritsuko's was much larger but still slim and slender.
Finding it actually hard to find the urge to remove her hand, Ritsuko actually felt at ease sitting by the boy. She didn't really give it much thought, simply being able to tell somebody good news, even if she had organized it, felt good. For a moment she again thought if what she was doing was right. 'I may ruin this boys life for my revenge.' She could feel her resolve melting. Drawing her hand from the boy quickly, "I'll get your papers finished and Misato can take you home after she finishes with the tests tonight."
Thinking he offended the attractive doctor with his actions Shinji was quick to apologize to her. She waved a hand at him saying she hadn't really noticed. "Just can't spend all day with the same patient. Oh, and Shinji?"
Sliding back fully under his sheet, "Yes Akagi-san?"
"Give some thought about spending some more time with pilot Ayanami. I'm sure you two have a lot in common," she finished as she shut the door. Once out of his sight she leaned heavily against the door. Feeling a bit ill suddenly with her actions, she would have actually considered calling her plan off. That is until her phone rang, 'he' needed her.
Inside the room, Shinji did indeed think about Rei, Shinobu, and the feeling that he needed to make a choice and soon.
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"Why couldn't school have been canceled all week?" Touji said into his desk, as he lay sprawled over the top of it.
While reading his camera for his intended interview with one third child, Kensuke mumbled about if they missed anymore school they wouldn't have a semester break. "So think any of them were hurt?"
The thought of loosing one of his friends roused Touji from his stupor, "Doubt it, somebody would have told us, right?"
"Probably, wonder how his fan-club would react to that," Kensuke's words a little harsher than he had hoped to have used. Both of the present stooges were feeling a little upset at their third.
Letting his own frustration add to what Kensuke just presented, "I'm all for Shinji getting a girl. Kami-sama knows he needs one, but what about us man?"
Setting his fully loaded and charged camera down on his desk, Kensuke was inclined to agree. "Yeah, like he doesn't want to hang with his buds anymore. We only see him before class and on the way out the door anymore."
"Think we should tell him about this?" Touji's budding mature side spoke as it found the undefended side should be allowed a chance at redemption.
Shinji plopped down in his chair next two his friends, breaking their secret discussion. "Talk to me about what?"
His maturity fleeing again, Touji didn't let a second pass before he replied, "You not hanging with us because you have your women now."
Looking at Touji, both Shinji and Kensuke thought that the comment was both wrong and obviously intended to be hurtful. Shinji was still tired from his previous days ordeal. After being discharged into Misato's care, he was received by a mess of monumental proportions at the apartment. From what he could tell, they ate nothing but instant and take-out during his absence. To make matters worse, Asuka was being unnecessarily cruel to him.
Trying to salvage Touji's brash comments and to help what they both could see was a depressed Shinji; "You have to admit you haven't been talking to us as much lately."
Always one to take the negative over the positive, "You're right guys, sorry. Things have been hectic these last few months."
Flipping his camera on, Kensuke decided this maybe something he wanted to watch again and again. "Yeah, few months ago you were a dateless wuss and now.now you have two girls and you're a sword freak."
Smiling momentarily at the statement, "I'm not a sword freak!"
Joining in on the fun, Touji said, "Then what about that little showing you gave us of your skills? You have MAD SWORD SKILL!" A book from across the room smashed into the back of Touji's head.
Now both Shinji and Kensuke were laughing, "Apparently Asuka doesn't want you saying that so loud Touji," Kensuke said between bouts of laughter.
His mood rising lightly, Shinji made the choice to let his friends know about his problem, "Guys, about the girls."
"Having trouble pleasing both of them?" Touji's voice as lewd as possible.
Having his suspicions about Shinji's love life Kensuke added two, "Don't have the energy to have both in bed with you?"
Going pale at the implications of doing such with either girl Shinji put his head into his hands. 'Maybe asking them for help wasn't the best idea.'
"This is serious!"
Both realized that their jokes weren't being received in good humor, they dropped their next verbal barb and apologized.
In hushed tones Shinji informed them, to the best of his knowledge, what was going on with Rei and Shinobu. They asked a few questions, Touji's mostly involved seeing either naked, and Kensuke's were related the battle which made both wonder what conversation he was listening to.
As he finished both of his friends looked puzzled. Neither had any real advice for him, they honestly never thought something like this was possible. "Sorry man can't help you. It's your decision," Touji said with a small pat on Shinji's shoulder.
Kensuke flipped the off button on the camera and sighed, "Here I thought having two girls after ya would be cool."
"Yeah," was all Shinji could say after his confession. Truthfully just the act of telling others of his problem made him feel better, and by confessing it he made the first step to making a stance.
In unison Touji and Kensuke chorused, "Regardless of what you do man, we'll stand with ya."
Smiling openly now, "Thanks guys, and sorry about not being around so much. If you want you can have lunch with us some times."
Kensuke pushed his glasses up his nose, "With Shinobu, Rei, and you?"
"Just be Rei today," Shinji said as he pointed to the blue haired girl that was staring out the window.
"Pass, she kinda creeps me out. Killer body but damn.you can pick some odd girls. Now if it's Shinobu we'll be glad to," Touji stated.
Shinji deflated a bit, he was hoping for both girls to get more sociable, and sadly he realized Rei needed it more than Shinobu, but he wouldn't argue. "It's settled then, next time we eat, it's a group event."
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Hoping Touji's head was as thick as they often joked, "Wasn't hitting him with a book a bit much?"
Grumbling for a moment, Asuka responded, "No Hikari, I'd have rather threw my desk at him."
Knowing her friend had a little temper at times, Hikari was tempted to let the subject drop, but something pushed her forward. "What's got you so angry Asuka? You've never been this upset before."
With no actual defense, Asuka sat in silence. Her mind was still trying to cope with losing one of her better friends the other day. She never really told Hikari about the times she and Shinji had spent with each other. She didn't think Hikari could keep it from Shinobu. While Asuka knew that she and Shinji weren't 'that' close, she new Shinobu would most likely be shocked to know the extent of their friendship. So to cover her fear Asuka used anger. "I'm pissed at Shinji."
Smiling now, "What Ikari-kun do, mess up breakfast today?"
"He almost got killed that's what he did," Asuka was sick with herself as she enjoyed Hikari's face go slate white. What followed was the edited for confidential material debriefing to her friend. She was just glad that Shinobu wasn't there to here it, 'Shinji'll have to tell her himself.'
Realizing Asuka was more upset about this event than she let on, "How about we join him and Shinobu for lunch then?"
Jealous that she didn't think about the idea, or the courage to actually try it, Asuka said, "Are you crazy why would we want to do that?"
Putting her hands up in defense, "It's just an idea, I bet they'd like to have some company. Shinobu's our friend, and I wouldn't mind getting to know Ikari-kun a little better."
Cutting her friend off, "Hikari! You're not going to try and steal him from Shinobu are you!"
Lost in Asuka's logic, Hikari never saw the smile on her face, "Wh.WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT?"
Overhearing Touji's proclamation about joining the luncheon group, Asuka wouldn't stand for having all three stooges assaulting poor Shinobu. "I'm just kidding Hikari, and it wouldn't be that bad. They'd have to cook for us you know."
Hyperventilating, Hikari was having trouble speaking, "Asuka.I'll.get you.for that."
Smiling at her friends naiveté, Asuka smirked and waited for school to begin, sharing the same thought as her flat mate, 'Where IS Shinobu though?'
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If she could, Shinobu would have rather have been at school with her newer friends. As it was, she was sitting in the gathering room flanked by Motoko, Keitaro, Naru, and Haruka as Kanako was still MIA.
She had awoken that morning with a feeling that she wasn't going to enjoy the day and at the present she was correct. Trying to keep a pleasant demeanor in spite of the growing fear in her, Shinobu was on verge of a breakdown. She didn't want the others to know how scared she was. Her fears clawing at her mind and body. Memories of her sheets slick with sweet flashed past her mind as saw the concerned looks on her friends' faces.
Naru was first to speak, her voice cool and level, "Shinobu, you're probably wondering why we insisted you not go to school today."
Having her suspicions, Shinobu was tempted to say otherwise, but such an act would blow her cover. "Why did you want me to stay Naru-sempai?"
Looking over at Keitaro, Naru gestured for him to speak. A brief chat before calling Shinobu down, the others formed a plan. They all felt slightly wrong for using Shinobu's old crush to their advantage but they were worried. With a steadily pausing tongue, Keitaro proceeded to give his prepared speech. "We'd really like for you to stop attending school in Tokyo-3. We know you've made some very good friends their."
As a group they decided not to bring the topic of Shinji into this debate.
"But from what we've seen on the television, you were almost killed during that last attack."
Motoko took over for Keitaro as his voice lost all its power as he looked at Shinobu. Shinobu whose eyes flashed of betrayal and hurt, emanated with disbelief. Having a firmer resolve than the one time multiple ronin, Motoko continued, "It'll be hard for you but it would also be what is best. Preparations for your attendance at Su's school in Kyoto have been arranged."
Shaking her head softly, Shinobu was again having a difficult time maintaining her façade of ease. "But it wasn't that bad really, just a few tiles fell down. I wasn't I any real danger. I don't think it's necessary."
Haruka realized at the start this talk was going to be harder than the younger debates thought. "The report said the facility fell to pieces shortly after the last person was evacuated. A NERV officer was crushed in the final scan of the building. So don't say that it wasn't serious."
"Try to see it from our point of view, we only want what's best for you," Keitaro said with as much genuine feeling as he could muster.
The soothing love Shinobu felt in the room was stifling. She could tell they were only speaking out for her own benefit. They only wanted her to be safe and away from harm. Her resolve slowly started to erode; all the pain and fear from the past few days came at her in waves.
Smiling weakly at the young girl, Naru saw her weakening and applied pressure, "You'd be able to spend a lot more time with Su, and Motoko-chan is also going to school in that city."
Catching on to Naru's plan, Motoko offered, "We could all go together, if you wanted."
Her head falling down, a few strands of hair caressed the side of her face. Shinobu was tempted, oh so tempted to just accept their offer. But a feeling in her chest began to cry out injustices. Something she tried not to fully accept out of fear, out of what it could mean to accept. She saw Shinji's face. Saw it before the attack, saw his sleeping form after, and him smiling at her when he woke.
"No, I won't stop going to Tokyo-3." She accepted her love for that boy and would not abandon him.
The firmness of her response caught the room off guard. Never had she been so adamant about anything, especially in spite of all of them. They accepted the current lose, but wouldn't forfeit the war. Naru took upon herself the role of devil's advocate, "Since we aren't related we can't force anything right now. But if anything else threatens you in that city we WILL call your parents about it."
Body trembling, Shinobu ran from the room to her own. Sealing herself within her chambers, her body crumpled on the floor. Her courage and energy spent, she drew herself into the fetal position and cried. To much was happening to her to fast to accept it all.
Fear from multiple sources crashed upon her mind. Shutting everything out and having a good cry, Shinobu prayed, prayed to whoever was listening that things would get better. "Don't we deserve some form of happiness?" she said to herself before she finally fell asleep.
Kitsune put her in bed after listening to her through the door.
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As the sun sank into the horizon, the commander of NERV was losing his patience. His scenario was crafted around several key pillars. Some of his plan could fail and yet he could still succeed, but he couldn't lose what he was threatened to.
"Rei, you are late," each would said to accentuate his anger but without raising his voice.
Her body its usual stoic self, her voice however hinted at emotion, "I apologize for my inability to be here at the appointed time."
Watching from his place at Gendo's side, Fuyutsuki could feel the tension in the room grow. Rei's attachment to Shinji was starting to cause her to act unpredictably. While he had mixed feelings, regarding Rei's origin, about a possible relationship, he wasn't about to say anything.
Gendo was going to say something, "Explain yourself."
"I lost track of the current time as my classroom duties were conducted."
Both men knew something was being held back. Rei wasn't actually lying to them but she was keeping secrets. Slamming his palms onto his desk, the room seemed to shake under his rage, "What are you not telling us?"
Rei was nervous; her attempt at subterfuge had failed. Truth was she had been enjoying her time speaking with the object of her affection. The two of them had spent a peaceful lunch without the annoyance of Maehara, and were both scheduled for cleaning duties. Taking Ritsuko's advice into consideration, she tried to keep it a secret from the commander. "I left out only unnecessary details sir."
In Rei's mind she noticed how saying those words made her feel bad. 'He is not unnecessary. He is essential.' Trying to keep from losing her composure, she hoped that she wouldn't have to debase Shinji any further.
Settling back into his chair, Gendo dismissed Rei early. She would no longer be of any use to him anyway. After the blue haired girl had left the room, "Fuyutsuki, what did the surveillance tapes show?"
"She was with your son," he answered somewhat bitterly.
"We have two options right now. One we replace her prematurely or we simply let her have her fantasy about a normal life until she dies according to the scenario."
Nodding to his superior, Fuyutsuki felt an extreme sadness for their creation. Rei seemed doomed to follow Gendo's will regardless of whatever she tried.
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Author Notes
Well I'm trying to keep up with my writing despite the changes happening. Sadly my new manager at work chose to leave making met, again, the most experienced person at my work.so I get 45.5 hrs weekly of work. Add my school schedule to that and I have about no time to write.so how did I get this one done? Not sleeping.
So if quality is somewhat poorer, give me lil credit ok? ^_^ well enough complaining time for the omake!!!
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"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Hinata Hotels first annual battle for the." Kitsune, dressed in traditional announcer garb, pauses, "can we say that on television?"
"Don't see why not," Su, wearing the same thing she always does, answers.
"Ok, battle for Shinji. Joining us in, what did you call this thing Su?"
Smiling and rubbing her face against the metallic construct, "Mega-Tama- Chan Viewing podium."
Waving a hand towards her guest, Kitsune's voice booms out her declaration. "Eh.right. Well joining us today is one Misato Katsuragi. Misato how did you get your participants to join this little battle?"
Sampling some of the pre-fight saki, Misato's slurred answer, "Told Asuka and Rei what the prize was."
"And said prize?" Kitsune said as a large smirk started to form on her face.
Waving her empty bottle at the manager turned drink boy Keitaro for a refill, "I didn't tell him a thing."
"OI! SARAH! COME OVER HERE!" Su politely screeched into the microphone.
Mouthing to Kitsune, as both were temporarily deaf, "She do that often?"
Kitsune merely nods her head and waits for Sarah to make the forty-foot climb up a rope ladder to the announcers' station.
"Here's your pre-fight interviews, now what did you do with my statues!" the blond American demands after giving Keitaro a quick push out of the flying turtle.
"Great lets watch the pawns.I mean combatants opening statements," Misato and Kitsune chant as they push the tape into the player.
Shinobu's face appears first on the screen followed by Sarah's voice, "So why are you fighting in this mockery of humanity?"
Blushing softly Shinobu drops her head, "Well I want to spend more time with Shinji and I want to keep that freak away form him."
After a few seconds of static, Sarah's voice rings out again, "Now lets her from the freak I mean the um.whoever this is."
Giving the young child a look of disgust, Rei addresses the camera, "I am a fighting so that pilot Ikari and I can -Censored for content-
Back in the announcers' station, Misato and Kitsune attempt to hold back a fits of laugher. Between gales of laughter Misato, "If she loses, hope Shinji never hears what he lost out on AHHAAHA."
"What are you asking me Shrimp?"
Trying to take the microphone back from Asuka, Sarah cries out that she was only trying to ask why she was fighting.
"Asuka Langley Souryu doesn't do menial labor! If I lose him I have to cook and clean and."
Turning off the feed, Kitsune tries not to sweet drop, "Is he a slave at your place or what?"
Readjusting the jacket Shinji re-sewed for her, "Did you say something?"
Su promptly falls asleep waiting for the fighting to start. Kitsune not being daunted, "Do you make that boy do ALL your work?"
With a heavy sigh, "He still refuses to help with 'other' matters, either that or he doesn't understand innuendo."
Unable to say a word in response to learning of the near enslavement of one of the contestants, Kitsune hits the button to call up the Motoko interview.
Clad in her battle garb, "I merely want to see how he has progressed."
Reading from a note Kitsune gave her prior to the interview, Sarah asked, "So your sister's insistence that you marry doesn't have any sway in this?"
"WHO TOLD YOU TO SAY THAT!!", Motoko's howler was quickly followed by her destruction of the camera.
"Guess she has a bit of a thing for him too," Misato stated as the watched the feed from the hidden camera's showing Motoko blushing like a tomato and pulling out a small picture that is as of yet unidentified.
"Guess we'll have to pass on the other interviews," Kitsune said with a shake of her head, "Not like those two were really going to say much. Naru wants to save Shinobu from perverts and the prize has no idea why he's there."
Finishing her bottle, Misato laughed, "Having power is so much fun."
"Well we're out of time for today, but next time we'll have round one of the battles. Rei Vs. Shinobu. Asuka VS Naru, and Shinji VS Motoko!!"
Winking at the camera, "And remember, for those of you who paid for this, the losers are stripped!"
"Well the male one," Kitsune added before the camera feed cut off.
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Golden Kitsune- Zen what the hell was that?
Zentrodie- I'm doing the battle in segments
GK- Isn't that just putting this off?
Zen- Your point?
GK- People are going to kick your ass.Myself included.
Zen- But I needed to set up the battle first!
GK- Don't buy it.
Zen- How about. 'Runs'
GK- DAMN COWARD!
Been awhile hasn't it? Sorry again but time restraints do exist that prohibit my ability to write as much as I'd like. My newest one is Final Fantasy XI, evil game ^_^
But I'm going to keep plugging along, hopefully you continue to read this and continue to give feedback. I know its cliché but the more you review the more inspiration I get so.don't hold back ok?
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Out of Disaster Chapter 13 Changing times
Awareness slowly began to creep into Shinji's mind as he regained consciousness. He felt a dull ache all about his body and a haze in his mind. His eyes still closed he tried to recall the last thing he could remember, but found only an empty space and a feeling of warmth.
Letting his eyes open, he prayed he didn't see pearly gates, or a fiery pit when he did. He saw neither signifying he hadn't died in his last battle, a sense of profound relief, one greater than he thought possible, was lifted. His eyes were granted the view of a darkened hospital room. Cursing the drab ceiling that he was always forced to see after his little encounters, his eyes wafted over to his bedside.
His eyes were filled by something that was in stark contrast to the depressing surroundings. Voice filled with joy, "Shinobu? You came to see me? How long were you here?"
The dark blue haired girl didn't say anything, but looked at Shinji kindly, if not a bit confused. She felt confused when she found the boy before her hugging her fiercely. 'Why Shinomu's friend hugging me?'
As part of his memory returned to him, the part about his recent near death experience. Shinji had a profound desire to hold on to any sense of comfort at this moment. With Nyamo in his arms, Shinji kept his eyes shut and his adrenalin coursed through his veins. He'd been close to death before, but at those times he hadn't cared much for his life, but now things were different.
The door opened and the light blazed on, bathing the room in its sterile light. "Sorry for sending you ahead of me Nyamo, I had to talk to Katsuragi- san on the phone about letting Naru-sempai pick.you.up." Shinobu came to a halt mid stride.
Hearing Shinobu from across the room, Shinji's eyes opened. "Shinobu?" He then looked at the girl in his arms. Nyamo smiled lightly at Shinji, thinking that this was a Japanese custom that she was unfamiliar with.
Marking the stark difference in skin color the two girls had, Shinji was still very confused. "There's not two of you.right?"
Despite a feeling of slight jealousy, Shinobu gave into a fit of gentle laughs, instead of her usual hysterics. "No Shinji, this is Nyamo." She laughed a bit harder as Shinji quickly recoiled from the girl and tried his best to hid under his sheets. "It's ok. Many people say we look exactly the same."
"Hi Shingi! You Shinomu's friend right?" Nyamo's voice full energy. Her slur of both their names and the way she said them sealed Shinji and Nyamo's friendship.
Removing the sheet from his head, Shinji let Nyamo's jovial nature wash over him. His previous thoughts about his own mortality lost in the moment. "Yes I'm Shinobu's friend. How long.how long have I been here?"
Taking a seat next to Nyamo at Shinji's bedside, "You've been sleeping for eight years Shinji."
His face going pale and his jaw unhinging, "You lie!"
Both girls started laughing, Nyamo outright and Shinobu more demure, hiding her mouth behind her hand. "Yes it was a little joke, you should have seen your face."
Feeling a little betrayed by the joke at his expense, Shinji scowled a little bit. "That was mean Shinobu." Something about Shinobu's actions felt a little odd to Shinji right then. She was usually more reserved about such matters.
"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help it. You've been here for three days. This is the first day the let me in to see you," Shinobu admitted, her voice a mix of joy and sadness. "To be honest I just got word that our ride has arrived to take us back to home."
Noting and sharing in her depression, Shinji was hoping to actually talk to her. Something in the deeper recesses of his mind spurred him to talk to her, and Rei. "I guess we can talk at school."
Seeing the two people by her looking so sad, Nyamo soon spoke, "Shinomu no have leave so soon."
Wishing Nyamo were right Shinobu shook her head. She knew they spent the better part of the day at Shinji's bedside. While the stay wasn't boring as the two had a great chance to catch up. Shinobu knew Naru wouldn't make another trip and the trains were still down after the last attack.
"We'll see you tomorrow Shinji," Shinobu finally said as she stood up. Acting before her mind had a chance to realize it. She leaned over him and kissed his forehead. "Take care now."
Enjoying the brief contact, Shinji found that he wasn't blushing. He thanked the girls for their concern and bid them farewell. As the door shut, both of the would-be couple thought of how that small kiss symbolized something new had happened in their relationship.
As she entered the car that Naru borrowed from Haruka, Shinobu was still fighting back tears of fear. Fear that she may still lose the boy she left in bed. Either to an angel attack or his other would be suitor, who she knew was at and would be at his bedside.
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Across the city, said girl was dressed in her work attire. She wasn't alone either, and her companion was anything but silent. So as Shinji settled down for a nap after a rush of fatigue, Asuka and Rei were just beginning another battery of tests.
"Why do I have to sit here on my day off? It was baka that got eaten not me!" Asuka whined more to relax her nerves than out of any real annoyance.
Not pleased with her duties as the proctor for said sync tests, Misato wasn't in the mood to listen to Asuka at the present moment. "What's wrong Asuka, miss Shinji already? He's probably still asleep anyway."
Anger and a bit of embarrassment rose in the young redhead. She was worried about her bed-ridden friend and did hope to see him leave the hospital soon. She just couldn't let others know she had any feelings for him. "Why would I want to see him? Rushing off acting all cool just to get caught like that."
Before Misato, who was now actually enjoying her position that allowed her to tease Asuka unmercifully, could speak, Rei's voice channel registered in both women's ears. "I want to see him."
Remembering her bout of eavesdropping, Asuka couldn't help but grimace. If she keeps applying pressure on him, he'll crack, was the thought that reverberated in Asuka's mind. "Why would you want to see him for wonder girl. Because he's the commander's son?"
From her view in the command center, Misato was wondering the same. She had her previous suspicious that something had existed between Rei and Shinji. She had thought that Asuka and then later Shinobu's entrance in his life had turned Shinji away from the shy girl. 'Who does Shinji like more? He spends a lot of time with Shinobu but for Rei to show any readable signs SOMETHING must be there.'
"His relation to Commander Ikari is irrelevant. I wish to see him based upon my.feelings regarding him," Rei said, hesitating to admit to anybody but Ritsuko about her feelings.
Knowing what she did about Rei's feeling about Shinji, Asuka still wanted to defend Shinobu's chances. "Then why didn't you help him before? You left him to die."
Finally turning her face away from the tube lining, Rei looked squarely into Asuka's eyes, "As did you, if I remember correctly."
The barb did its work and Asuka's argument deteriorated to nothing but swear words and threats. She didn't like having her pride or her failure to help a comrade tossed into her face. Rei disabled the comm. link to the second sync chamber, deeming the conversation over. She didn't like being reminded of her failure either.
Misato wasn't through though. She had questions that she wanted answered. "Rei, why DO you like Shinji?"
The blue haired girl sighed slightly. She was hoping to have this test to devote to self-reflection. The question of orders or emotions still played heavily on her thoughts. Still a superior was addressing her, so Rei felt obligated to answer. "He treats me like I am worth something."
'Like she's worth something, what does that mean?' Misato pondered as she gave the situation some more thought. After giving Asuka's chamber a brief glance, and finding her still fuming, "Is that the only reason?"
Astounding, Misato saw something she thought she never would, Rei was smiling. It was a very small one, but she was smiling. "No. There are other reasons."
A small lump formed in Misato's throat. She had thought Shinji and Shinobu were soon to be a sure thing, but a nagging feeling that maybe, just maybe Shinji should give some possible consideration towards Rei's feelings. 'I feel so sorry for Shinji-kun right now,' was all she could think. "What about Shinobu?"
Rei's minute expression was washed away the moment Misato spoke. "I doubt she will be able to pursue him much longer."
Knowing that Rei meant the growing chances that Tokyo-3 would eventually be off limits to civilians, Misato nodded and told her to continue to focus on synchronization. 'She has a point. If he chooses Shinobu and she is forced out of the city, what would happen to him? But they seem so close. This is too much even for me to think about. Guess we'll just have to wait."
Watching the two girls attempt to meld their minds with their machines, Misato's mind was still wrestling with one concept. "Whom is Rei talking to about this stuff? She can't be learning all this on her own."
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As Misato pondered Rei's source of guidance, said woman was waking the sleeping third child. Ritsuko used her position as doctor to not only escape the boredom of watching the pilots during sync tests, but also she was now given a chance to give Shinji a little push towards her intended goal.
'He does look peaceful in his sleep, nothing like his father,' she mused as she saw the boy stir under her soft shaking. Finally the bedridden patients eyes opened and focused on his new visitor.
"Hello Dr. Akagi, was I sleeping long?" he asked as he sat up, but not so far as to have his sheet fall to far.
After taking a look at and then removing the I.V. from his forearm she told him that for all her knowledge she doubted it. "So how are you feeling?"
Watching his legs' silhouettes move in minute frustration he tried to formulate the exact words to define how he felt. "Physically I'm fine but."
Ritsuko's eyes widened a tad; she didn't think he could have suffered any mental damage. All her tests proved that he didn't suffer and cranial damage. "Trouble remembering things, vision fuzzy?"
Shinji shook his head, "Nothing like that. Just the whole 'near death' thing."
The doctor nodded and made an acknowledgement sound in her throat. 'Nothing to be worried about, may even help me out,' the steadily growing wicked side of her mind offered. Taking the seat that Shinobu had roughly an hour ago, Ritsuko was going to have a little chat with her patient. "Its only natural to fear death, you and those who care about you. You know we had to order Rei to leave your bedside."
A look of mild surprise appeared on the young Ikari's face at that statement. He hadn't thought Rei would have wasted her time like that. 'Sure she says she likes me, but to have to be ordered to leave?'
As Ritsuko saw the brow of her target furrow she pressed a bit further. "Misato hadn't told me you two had gotten so close."
"But we're.not really that close," Shinji's words weak and full of confusion. All that was happening to him was occurring to fast. The attack, Shinobu, and now Ritsuko telling him Rei had also been there to visit him.
'Such innocence,' Ritsuko thought bitterly, 'just like I was before him.' Forcing her lips to form a smile, she took the boy's hand in hers. "Don't be modest. Rei doesn't just open up to anybody. I'm glad you two are getting closer. Of all the pilots she is the most excluded. Maybe being with somebody that treats her nice would do her a world of good."
Shinji didn't know what to say, he simply let the words sink in. Trying not to focus too much on what he was just told he let his mind wander over the feeling of Ritsuko's hand. He had held Shinobu's hand on occasion, as well as Ayanami's a few times while helping her, but Ritsuko's was much larger but still slim and slender.
Finding it actually hard to find the urge to remove her hand, Ritsuko actually felt at ease sitting by the boy. She didn't really give it much thought, simply being able to tell somebody good news, even if she had organized it, felt good. For a moment she again thought if what she was doing was right. 'I may ruin this boys life for my revenge.' She could feel her resolve melting. Drawing her hand from the boy quickly, "I'll get your papers finished and Misato can take you home after she finishes with the tests tonight."
Thinking he offended the attractive doctor with his actions Shinji was quick to apologize to her. She waved a hand at him saying she hadn't really noticed. "Just can't spend all day with the same patient. Oh, and Shinji?"
Sliding back fully under his sheet, "Yes Akagi-san?"
"Give some thought about spending some more time with pilot Ayanami. I'm sure you two have a lot in common," she finished as she shut the door. Once out of his sight she leaned heavily against the door. Feeling a bit ill suddenly with her actions, she would have actually considered calling her plan off. That is until her phone rang, 'he' needed her.
Inside the room, Shinji did indeed think about Rei, Shinobu, and the feeling that he needed to make a choice and soon.
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"Why couldn't school have been canceled all week?" Touji said into his desk, as he lay sprawled over the top of it.
While reading his camera for his intended interview with one third child, Kensuke mumbled about if they missed anymore school they wouldn't have a semester break. "So think any of them were hurt?"
The thought of loosing one of his friends roused Touji from his stupor, "Doubt it, somebody would have told us, right?"
"Probably, wonder how his fan-club would react to that," Kensuke's words a little harsher than he had hoped to have used. Both of the present stooges were feeling a little upset at their third.
Letting his own frustration add to what Kensuke just presented, "I'm all for Shinji getting a girl. Kami-sama knows he needs one, but what about us man?"
Setting his fully loaded and charged camera down on his desk, Kensuke was inclined to agree. "Yeah, like he doesn't want to hang with his buds anymore. We only see him before class and on the way out the door anymore."
"Think we should tell him about this?" Touji's budding mature side spoke as it found the undefended side should be allowed a chance at redemption.
Shinji plopped down in his chair next two his friends, breaking their secret discussion. "Talk to me about what?"
His maturity fleeing again, Touji didn't let a second pass before he replied, "You not hanging with us because you have your women now."
Looking at Touji, both Shinji and Kensuke thought that the comment was both wrong and obviously intended to be hurtful. Shinji was still tired from his previous days ordeal. After being discharged into Misato's care, he was received by a mess of monumental proportions at the apartment. From what he could tell, they ate nothing but instant and take-out during his absence. To make matters worse, Asuka was being unnecessarily cruel to him.
Trying to salvage Touji's brash comments and to help what they both could see was a depressed Shinji; "You have to admit you haven't been talking to us as much lately."
Always one to take the negative over the positive, "You're right guys, sorry. Things have been hectic these last few months."
Flipping his camera on, Kensuke decided this maybe something he wanted to watch again and again. "Yeah, few months ago you were a dateless wuss and now.now you have two girls and you're a sword freak."
Smiling momentarily at the statement, "I'm not a sword freak!"
Joining in on the fun, Touji said, "Then what about that little showing you gave us of your skills? You have MAD SWORD SKILL!" A book from across the room smashed into the back of Touji's head.
Now both Shinji and Kensuke were laughing, "Apparently Asuka doesn't want you saying that so loud Touji," Kensuke said between bouts of laughter.
His mood rising lightly, Shinji made the choice to let his friends know about his problem, "Guys, about the girls."
"Having trouble pleasing both of them?" Touji's voice as lewd as possible.
Having his suspicions about Shinji's love life Kensuke added two, "Don't have the energy to have both in bed with you?"
Going pale at the implications of doing such with either girl Shinji put his head into his hands. 'Maybe asking them for help wasn't the best idea.'
"This is serious!"
Both realized that their jokes weren't being received in good humor, they dropped their next verbal barb and apologized.
In hushed tones Shinji informed them, to the best of his knowledge, what was going on with Rei and Shinobu. They asked a few questions, Touji's mostly involved seeing either naked, and Kensuke's were related the battle which made both wonder what conversation he was listening to.
As he finished both of his friends looked puzzled. Neither had any real advice for him, they honestly never thought something like this was possible. "Sorry man can't help you. It's your decision," Touji said with a small pat on Shinji's shoulder.
Kensuke flipped the off button on the camera and sighed, "Here I thought having two girls after ya would be cool."
"Yeah," was all Shinji could say after his confession. Truthfully just the act of telling others of his problem made him feel better, and by confessing it he made the first step to making a stance.
In unison Touji and Kensuke chorused, "Regardless of what you do man, we'll stand with ya."
Smiling openly now, "Thanks guys, and sorry about not being around so much. If you want you can have lunch with us some times."
Kensuke pushed his glasses up his nose, "With Shinobu, Rei, and you?"
"Just be Rei today," Shinji said as he pointed to the blue haired girl that was staring out the window.
"Pass, she kinda creeps me out. Killer body but damn.you can pick some odd girls. Now if it's Shinobu we'll be glad to," Touji stated.
Shinji deflated a bit, he was hoping for both girls to get more sociable, and sadly he realized Rei needed it more than Shinobu, but he wouldn't argue. "It's settled then, next time we eat, it's a group event."
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Hoping Touji's head was as thick as they often joked, "Wasn't hitting him with a book a bit much?"
Grumbling for a moment, Asuka responded, "No Hikari, I'd have rather threw my desk at him."
Knowing her friend had a little temper at times, Hikari was tempted to let the subject drop, but something pushed her forward. "What's got you so angry Asuka? You've never been this upset before."
With no actual defense, Asuka sat in silence. Her mind was still trying to cope with losing one of her better friends the other day. She never really told Hikari about the times she and Shinji had spent with each other. She didn't think Hikari could keep it from Shinobu. While Asuka knew that she and Shinji weren't 'that' close, she new Shinobu would most likely be shocked to know the extent of their friendship. So to cover her fear Asuka used anger. "I'm pissed at Shinji."
Smiling now, "What Ikari-kun do, mess up breakfast today?"
"He almost got killed that's what he did," Asuka was sick with herself as she enjoyed Hikari's face go slate white. What followed was the edited for confidential material debriefing to her friend. She was just glad that Shinobu wasn't there to here it, 'Shinji'll have to tell her himself.'
Realizing Asuka was more upset about this event than she let on, "How about we join him and Shinobu for lunch then?"
Jealous that she didn't think about the idea, or the courage to actually try it, Asuka said, "Are you crazy why would we want to do that?"
Putting her hands up in defense, "It's just an idea, I bet they'd like to have some company. Shinobu's our friend, and I wouldn't mind getting to know Ikari-kun a little better."
Cutting her friend off, "Hikari! You're not going to try and steal him from Shinobu are you!"
Lost in Asuka's logic, Hikari never saw the smile on her face, "Wh.WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT?"
Overhearing Touji's proclamation about joining the luncheon group, Asuka wouldn't stand for having all three stooges assaulting poor Shinobu. "I'm just kidding Hikari, and it wouldn't be that bad. They'd have to cook for us you know."
Hyperventilating, Hikari was having trouble speaking, "Asuka.I'll.get you.for that."
Smiling at her friends naiveté, Asuka smirked and waited for school to begin, sharing the same thought as her flat mate, 'Where IS Shinobu though?'
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If she could, Shinobu would have rather have been at school with her newer friends. As it was, she was sitting in the gathering room flanked by Motoko, Keitaro, Naru, and Haruka as Kanako was still MIA.
She had awoken that morning with a feeling that she wasn't going to enjoy the day and at the present she was correct. Trying to keep a pleasant demeanor in spite of the growing fear in her, Shinobu was on verge of a breakdown. She didn't want the others to know how scared she was. Her fears clawing at her mind and body. Memories of her sheets slick with sweet flashed past her mind as saw the concerned looks on her friends' faces.
Naru was first to speak, her voice cool and level, "Shinobu, you're probably wondering why we insisted you not go to school today."
Having her suspicions, Shinobu was tempted to say otherwise, but such an act would blow her cover. "Why did you want me to stay Naru-sempai?"
Looking over at Keitaro, Naru gestured for him to speak. A brief chat before calling Shinobu down, the others formed a plan. They all felt slightly wrong for using Shinobu's old crush to their advantage but they were worried. With a steadily pausing tongue, Keitaro proceeded to give his prepared speech. "We'd really like for you to stop attending school in Tokyo-3. We know you've made some very good friends their."
As a group they decided not to bring the topic of Shinji into this debate.
"But from what we've seen on the television, you were almost killed during that last attack."
Motoko took over for Keitaro as his voice lost all its power as he looked at Shinobu. Shinobu whose eyes flashed of betrayal and hurt, emanated with disbelief. Having a firmer resolve than the one time multiple ronin, Motoko continued, "It'll be hard for you but it would also be what is best. Preparations for your attendance at Su's school in Kyoto have been arranged."
Shaking her head softly, Shinobu was again having a difficult time maintaining her façade of ease. "But it wasn't that bad really, just a few tiles fell down. I wasn't I any real danger. I don't think it's necessary."
Haruka realized at the start this talk was going to be harder than the younger debates thought. "The report said the facility fell to pieces shortly after the last person was evacuated. A NERV officer was crushed in the final scan of the building. So don't say that it wasn't serious."
"Try to see it from our point of view, we only want what's best for you," Keitaro said with as much genuine feeling as he could muster.
The soothing love Shinobu felt in the room was stifling. She could tell they were only speaking out for her own benefit. They only wanted her to be safe and away from harm. Her resolve slowly started to erode; all the pain and fear from the past few days came at her in waves.
Smiling weakly at the young girl, Naru saw her weakening and applied pressure, "You'd be able to spend a lot more time with Su, and Motoko-chan is also going to school in that city."
Catching on to Naru's plan, Motoko offered, "We could all go together, if you wanted."
Her head falling down, a few strands of hair caressed the side of her face. Shinobu was tempted, oh so tempted to just accept their offer. But a feeling in her chest began to cry out injustices. Something she tried not to fully accept out of fear, out of what it could mean to accept. She saw Shinji's face. Saw it before the attack, saw his sleeping form after, and him smiling at her when he woke.
"No, I won't stop going to Tokyo-3." She accepted her love for that boy and would not abandon him.
The firmness of her response caught the room off guard. Never had she been so adamant about anything, especially in spite of all of them. They accepted the current lose, but wouldn't forfeit the war. Naru took upon herself the role of devil's advocate, "Since we aren't related we can't force anything right now. But if anything else threatens you in that city we WILL call your parents about it."
Body trembling, Shinobu ran from the room to her own. Sealing herself within her chambers, her body crumpled on the floor. Her courage and energy spent, she drew herself into the fetal position and cried. To much was happening to her to fast to accept it all.
Fear from multiple sources crashed upon her mind. Shutting everything out and having a good cry, Shinobu prayed, prayed to whoever was listening that things would get better. "Don't we deserve some form of happiness?" she said to herself before she finally fell asleep.
Kitsune put her in bed after listening to her through the door.
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As the sun sank into the horizon, the commander of NERV was losing his patience. His scenario was crafted around several key pillars. Some of his plan could fail and yet he could still succeed, but he couldn't lose what he was threatened to.
"Rei, you are late," each would said to accentuate his anger but without raising his voice.
Her body its usual stoic self, her voice however hinted at emotion, "I apologize for my inability to be here at the appointed time."
Watching from his place at Gendo's side, Fuyutsuki could feel the tension in the room grow. Rei's attachment to Shinji was starting to cause her to act unpredictably. While he had mixed feelings, regarding Rei's origin, about a possible relationship, he wasn't about to say anything.
Gendo was going to say something, "Explain yourself."
"I lost track of the current time as my classroom duties were conducted."
Both men knew something was being held back. Rei wasn't actually lying to them but she was keeping secrets. Slamming his palms onto his desk, the room seemed to shake under his rage, "What are you not telling us?"
Rei was nervous; her attempt at subterfuge had failed. Truth was she had been enjoying her time speaking with the object of her affection. The two of them had spent a peaceful lunch without the annoyance of Maehara, and were both scheduled for cleaning duties. Taking Ritsuko's advice into consideration, she tried to keep it a secret from the commander. "I left out only unnecessary details sir."
In Rei's mind she noticed how saying those words made her feel bad. 'He is not unnecessary. He is essential.' Trying to keep from losing her composure, she hoped that she wouldn't have to debase Shinji any further.
Settling back into his chair, Gendo dismissed Rei early. She would no longer be of any use to him anyway. After the blue haired girl had left the room, "Fuyutsuki, what did the surveillance tapes show?"
"She was with your son," he answered somewhat bitterly.
"We have two options right now. One we replace her prematurely or we simply let her have her fantasy about a normal life until she dies according to the scenario."
Nodding to his superior, Fuyutsuki felt an extreme sadness for their creation. Rei seemed doomed to follow Gendo's will regardless of whatever she tried.
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Author Notes
Well I'm trying to keep up with my writing despite the changes happening. Sadly my new manager at work chose to leave making met, again, the most experienced person at my work.so I get 45.5 hrs weekly of work. Add my school schedule to that and I have about no time to write.so how did I get this one done? Not sleeping.
So if quality is somewhat poorer, give me lil credit ok? ^_^ well enough complaining time for the omake!!!
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"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Hinata Hotels first annual battle for the." Kitsune, dressed in traditional announcer garb, pauses, "can we say that on television?"
"Don't see why not," Su, wearing the same thing she always does, answers.
"Ok, battle for Shinji. Joining us in, what did you call this thing Su?"
Smiling and rubbing her face against the metallic construct, "Mega-Tama- Chan Viewing podium."
Waving a hand towards her guest, Kitsune's voice booms out her declaration. "Eh.right. Well joining us today is one Misato Katsuragi. Misato how did you get your participants to join this little battle?"
Sampling some of the pre-fight saki, Misato's slurred answer, "Told Asuka and Rei what the prize was."
"And said prize?" Kitsune said as a large smirk started to form on her face.
Waving her empty bottle at the manager turned drink boy Keitaro for a refill, "I didn't tell him a thing."
"OI! SARAH! COME OVER HERE!" Su politely screeched into the microphone.
Mouthing to Kitsune, as both were temporarily deaf, "She do that often?"
Kitsune merely nods her head and waits for Sarah to make the forty-foot climb up a rope ladder to the announcers' station.
"Here's your pre-fight interviews, now what did you do with my statues!" the blond American demands after giving Keitaro a quick push out of the flying turtle.
"Great lets watch the pawns.I mean combatants opening statements," Misato and Kitsune chant as they push the tape into the player.
Shinobu's face appears first on the screen followed by Sarah's voice, "So why are you fighting in this mockery of humanity?"
Blushing softly Shinobu drops her head, "Well I want to spend more time with Shinji and I want to keep that freak away form him."
After a few seconds of static, Sarah's voice rings out again, "Now lets her from the freak I mean the um.whoever this is."
Giving the young child a look of disgust, Rei addresses the camera, "I am a fighting so that pilot Ikari and I can -Censored for content-
Back in the announcers' station, Misato and Kitsune attempt to hold back a fits of laugher. Between gales of laughter Misato, "If she loses, hope Shinji never hears what he lost out on AHHAAHA."
"What are you asking me Shrimp?"
Trying to take the microphone back from Asuka, Sarah cries out that she was only trying to ask why she was fighting.
"Asuka Langley Souryu doesn't do menial labor! If I lose him I have to cook and clean and."
Turning off the feed, Kitsune tries not to sweet drop, "Is he a slave at your place or what?"
Readjusting the jacket Shinji re-sewed for her, "Did you say something?"
Su promptly falls asleep waiting for the fighting to start. Kitsune not being daunted, "Do you make that boy do ALL your work?"
With a heavy sigh, "He still refuses to help with 'other' matters, either that or he doesn't understand innuendo."
Unable to say a word in response to learning of the near enslavement of one of the contestants, Kitsune hits the button to call up the Motoko interview.
Clad in her battle garb, "I merely want to see how he has progressed."
Reading from a note Kitsune gave her prior to the interview, Sarah asked, "So your sister's insistence that you marry doesn't have any sway in this?"
"WHO TOLD YOU TO SAY THAT!!", Motoko's howler was quickly followed by her destruction of the camera.
"Guess she has a bit of a thing for him too," Misato stated as the watched the feed from the hidden camera's showing Motoko blushing like a tomato and pulling out a small picture that is as of yet unidentified.
"Guess we'll have to pass on the other interviews," Kitsune said with a shake of her head, "Not like those two were really going to say much. Naru wants to save Shinobu from perverts and the prize has no idea why he's there."
Finishing her bottle, Misato laughed, "Having power is so much fun."
"Well we're out of time for today, but next time we'll have round one of the battles. Rei Vs. Shinobu. Asuka VS Naru, and Shinji VS Motoko!!"
Winking at the camera, "And remember, for those of you who paid for this, the losers are stripped!"
"Well the male one," Kitsune added before the camera feed cut off.
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Golden Kitsune- Zen what the hell was that?
Zentrodie- I'm doing the battle in segments
GK- Isn't that just putting this off?
Zen- Your point?
GK- People are going to kick your ass.Myself included.
Zen- But I needed to set up the battle first!
GK- Don't buy it.
Zen- How about. 'Runs'
GK- DAMN COWARD!