Chapter 2: Summer storm
I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion, its just a fan-fiction, read and enjoy.
Some feedback to my reviewers: (thanks!)
Chief316: Thanks for the encouraging words, and the tips about Eva anatomy, admittedly I couldn't completely remember and took some artistic licence, it appears you could tell what I was getting at…I hope ;-) I suppose I was assuming that it's a different technology for these new units, a combined core/engine, which is sort of plausible as it is tied to the regeneration ability, something completely different for these new Eva types. Thanks for the tip, but I'll leave it for now, will hopefully not get in the way of you enjoying the story! Thanks again.
Also I heard a rumour that you shouldn't reply to reviews in the chapter submissions, but I have seen nothing official on the site, please warn me if I am accidentally infringing, thanks.
2.1 You can't handle the truth!
Authors note:
So what's going on? Well you can find out in this chapter, recapping and explanations nicely mixed with character interactions, everyone's back!
The next morning was a late start for all, none having the energy to set the alarm the night before. Of the sleeping household, Shinji was up first and headed into the bathroom.
He was back out quickly, dressing before anyone else was awake. Alone, Shinji decided to start breakfast. Setting the water to boil he went out onto the veranda to enjoy the midmorning sun. Leaning against the railing he heard the door slide open behind him, he turned to see Rei, dressed in her school uniform, walking towards him. He turned back, looking out onto what was left of the city.
"Good Morning Rei, did you sleep well?" he asked contently. Rei joined him, leaning against the railing.
"It was..." she paused for a second. "very nice" she finished, a relaxed expression on her face. The two stood there for a while, chatting about the quietness of the still mostly abandoned Tokyo 3. After a while the sliding door opened again, this time Asuka emerged, wearing her yellow summer dress.
"Come on you two, this breakfast isn't going to make itself." she said casually.
Shinji and Rei re-entered the kitchen to help Asuka make breakfast. They were quickly ready and Asuka went off to wake Misato. Soon they were all sitting down enjoying the meal.
Misato worried about the time as they were expected at NERV very soon for the bare-all brief from Gendo, something she didn't want to miss. They were speculating about the expected level of deceit to be exposed by Gendo when the phone rang. It was Ritsuko, she said that the meeting had been postponed until tomorrow as Gendo and Fuyuzuki were still required for "debriefing" by numerous world officials. Misato let out a sigh, and after relaying the information to the others, Asuka and Shinji imitated her. She continued chatting with Ritsuko when a slightly annoyed Asuka suddenly smiled. Jumping up she suggested that they all go shopping to get Rei some new clothes. Misato thought about this for a second, obviously approving as she started to ask Ritsuko about what their expected schedule would be today. Ritsuko confirmed they wouldn't be needed until about six p.m., as general clean up was still going on. Misato gave a nod to Asuka who smiled triumphantly. Misato finished up by asking if Ritsuko wanted to accompany them, and with a little persistence managed to convince her freind to join them at noon for lunch. The only question was where, the area around Tokyo 3 had been a war zone only a day earlier and thanks to Shinji's efforts the road and rail link to the south had been cut. They decided to go to a small town to the north west. It had barely been aware of the fighting and today was market day. It was settled then, Misato confirmed with Ritsuko before hanging up and returned to the table. Breakfast was quickly wrapped up and soon all four were at the front door.
"Hold on a second" interrupted Asuka. "We have the van right?"
"Yah" said Misato.
"Well can I give Hikari a call? It's always good to have another woman's opinion when you go clothes shopping." Asuka said enthusiastically.
"Sure, why not?" replied Misato happily, four kids were no worse then three.
"Hey can I call Toji and Kensuka" burst in Shinji "I think Toji's out of the hospital now."
"Now what would those stooges know about fashion?" snapped Asuka irritably.
"They're not there for fashion tips, they're there to keep me sane from your girl chatter!" Shinji snapped back, but both with more cheek then venom. Neither however backed down and were soon squaring up to each other, to the obvious surprise, and pleasure, of Asuka.
"Now that's enough you two" said Misato, rolling her eyes "There is enough room in the van for everyone, now if you don't hurry up and call we will never get there"
"I've got the phone first." exclaimed Asuka, dashing away. Shinji, not prepared, watched her go with a smirk.
"Shinji" said Misato. He turned just in time to catch the mobile Misato had thrown at him.
Soon they were all in the Van and on their way to the school, a convenient relying point, to pick up their three friends. The city was still in a bit of disarray after the battle it had seen only yesterday. And they had to stop at the occasional military checkpoint.
The whole situation was to say the least, surreal, whole city blocks had been badly damaged during the assault, not to mention the massive hole created by the N2 mine through to the geofront. The city had been overrun by an invading army only yesterday, and today, emerging once more from the bunkers, were the citizens of Tokyo 3, attempting to get on with their lives once more. Shinji speculated to himself that this amazing ability to accept such massive changes to their environment was due to the conditioning of the preceding Angel's attacks. After all, Tokyo 3 was a fortress city, even after all the damage it had sustained the sheer number of backup systems meant, that even if your next door apartment building was vaporised, you probably still had electricity and water. So people simply got on with it.
He looked out of the window at the passing city, it always surprised him how hardy the trees were, even after all the abuse they were still there, still alive, and looking relatively healthy. He smiled. The drive went quickly and soon they were at the school.
There to greet them were their three friends. The greetings were a little more enthusiastic then usual as the past days had seen some massive changes and Asuka had been out for some time. Hikari gave Asuka a massive hug, afterwards greeting Shinji, Misato and Rei happily. There was a round of hitting of elbows and slapping of backs as Toji and Kensuka congratulated Shinji on a job well done. They also quickly greeted Rei and Misato, even managing some happy comments for demon girl, who actually responded in kind, though with a slight air about her. Soon however they returned the conversation to the battle, Toji and Kensuka wanted to know all the details.
So on the trip up to the small town the car was split up along lines of gender. Shinji in the back giving an enthusiastic account of the previous day's action while in the front the girls also discussed the previous days events, though from a slightly more human aspect.
Upon hearing Asuka ask about Hikari's family, Shinji controlled himself enough to break his retelling and to enquire about his friends experience the previous day. So then the tables were turned, and Hikari, Toji and Aida all explained about how they and their families had hurried to the shelters upon the alarm given out from NERV, indicating an imminent attack. They said that there had been fighting nearby and all were shocked to see armed troops enter the compound. Apparently they were U.N troops and after doing a quick search, they told everyone to stay there and then left. Everyone was really worried, it was the first time troops had entered the shelter, the fighting continued for hours with some massive explosions being heard. After the all clear was given they came back out to see more troops deployed, this time from the JSDF, the damage to the city was awesome. Luckily there were no shelters in the central city area, which had been hardest hit, if not demolished completely, so they knew of no one who was missing. If they thought their world was crazy that was just the start, Toji said that on his way home a young man had run past saying that he had heard in the news that there was mass chaos throughout the world. Kensuka and Hikari agreed, saying that the bulletins were going non-stop, all over the world there were countless assassinations and general political unrest. There appeared to be an endless string of military and political coup's going on simultaneously. Critical targets had been hit, seemingly terrorist attacks, though no-one was claiming responsibility, no one knew who to trust any more, the world political system had seemingly ceased to function. Everyone was in a climate of fear and mistrust, most states had declared marshal law while the upper circles apparently struggled for power. But for what reason, and to what end, no one knew. Misato looked shocked at the news, she had heard reports but it sounded much worse from the accounts of three young adults. She mused aloud at what depth the SEELE organisation really ran around the world. The five turned and looked at her, not knowing much about the organisation called SEELE.
Soon however, Suzuhara pressed Shinji to continue his battle accounts and all listened as Shinji gave a graphic and elaborate description of the previous day's events. All listened, as none of the pilots had really discussed it yet. Even Asuka was impressed with Shinji's tale of his and Rei's exploits, turning to Rei at one stage to ask if it really happened that way, to which she nodded. Then it was Asuka's turn, simply saying that she had regained consciousness (a quick gloss over) and found herself in her Eva at the bottom of a lake. She then gave an equally impressive account of her performance until Shinji's arrival, continuing on to tell about their combined exploits. Shinji noted that she didn't try to play up her own contribution and even gave him some complements during her retelling, affording him a few smiles. At the end Shinji asked Rei about her separate fight, compared to the enthusiasm of the other two Rei's retelling was short and completely unenthusiastic, though compared to her usual answers it was an accurate, if brief retelling. Misato interrupted to embellish a bit, painting the picture of a guardian angel protecting her troops, apparently captain Muyo had given a glowing de-brief and the entire division was referring to Rei as their Guardian Angel. Everyone including Asuka praised Rei for her efforts. After this the girls (meaning Asuka, Misato and Hikari, with Rei listening) started to discuss clothes while Shinji went into the finer details of the combat for Suzuhara and Toji.
Soon however they found themselves at their desired location, it was a picturesque town situated in a valley with a small river running through it. With a population of only about 6000 it was a bit of a tourist town, but the large Sunday market made the influx of people considerable. The recent events however meant that the crowds were not particularly large and Misato found a parking space easily. They all jumped out of the car excitedly, stretching in the basking sun, even Rei managed a smile, it really was a beautiful day. The market itself was a sprawling mass of tables in the central square, the setting was perfect, with the tree lined banks of the river on one side and a mixture of shops and cafes on the other. Asuka quickly lead the way, prompting Hikari, Rei and Misato to follow. Rei nodded slightly to Shinji and turned to follow.
Rei now turned away, Shinji noticed Hikari doing some similar silent communication with Toji, though before she turned she noticed Shinji looking and blushed slightly before making her way behind Asuka. Shinji turned to Toji who was trying to look innocent.
"Well looks like we're off already, you boys don't go wondering too far" said Misato, happily walking past the three boys.
"Have fun Misato." called Shinji after her, then turned his attention back to Toji. Waiting until Misato was out of earshot, he said with a devious smile.
"I do believe our dear friend Toji has something he wishes to tell his good friends about himself and Hikari." he said coyly.
"I don't know what you're talking about." said Toji defensively, turning slightly red.
"Oh come on Toji it is sort of obvious." said Kensuka coolly, while fiddling with his camera.
"Yah Toji spill the beans" Shinji said. They walked over to the riverbank, leaning against the railing under the trees and watched the river flow by below.
"Sooo?" prompted Kensuka with a smile, he was enjoying his friends unease.
"Well it just sort of happened… ok" said Toji a little angrily.
"AH Ha! You and the class rep! " said Kensuka. " So have you kissed her yet?" he continued, goading his taller friend.
"Maybe" replied Toji, a little quickly. Shinji and Kensuka traded large smiles, even Toji was smiling now.
"So how was it?" asked Kensuka, calming down a little.
"It was…… nice" Toji said a little embarrassed. All three chuckled at their own thoughts.
"You're a lucky man Toji" said Shinji "Hikari is a lovely girl"
This was somewhat more mature then the three were used to, and it knocked the silliness out of the air for a few seconds.
"So how long have you two been serious?" asked Shinji in the spirit of the new mood.
"Well…… while I was in hospital, she visited me a lot and helped with my rehab, you know." replied Toji.
"Yah she seemed to be there a lot when I came to visit, always bossing you around saying how you had to recover to get back to school." interrupted Kensuka.
"Yah… well, later she came a lot when you were not there" continued Toji, a smile appearing on his face. "And you wouldn't believe it, but when it's just the two of us she's very different, all caring and such." he said, staring lazily in the direction of the girls.
"And then one day when we were in the garden, it just sort of happened. That was about a week ago." he said finally. The slight pause finally broke the spell of the serious mood, and a mischievous grin returned to Kensuka.
"So you and the class rep ha? Well that's it for you in class now, its going to be all, yes miss Hikari, sure thing miss Hikari" said Kensuka in a mock girlie voice. Shinji laughed, and added his own comment to the fray.
"Under the thumb, ha ha ha" he laughed mid sentence "And the biggest thumb of all!" finished Shinji then continued to laugh. Toji, brought out of his thoughts, grabbed Kensuka in a headlock and rubbed his scalp viciously with mock annoyance and soon the three were gallivanting noisily.
Over where the girls were standing Hikari just made out the ranting of the boys over the buzz of the crowd. She turned to see Shinji wrestling with Toji in an attempt to free Kensuka. The sudden thought of the three stooges talking about her made her go a deep shade of red.
"Boneheads" she said to herself. Asuka, who was standing nearby inspecting a jumper, turned to her friend with an inquisitive "Hmm".
Following Hikari's line of site she spotted the boys off in the distance.
"So the three stooges reunited once more." Asuka said, though there was only mock annoyance in her tone. Hikari, startled that anyone noticed her comments, looked down quickly.
"Yahh" she managed simply, though her tone and poise gave her away, Asuka knew something was up, and went to the most obvious choice of discussion.
"So how is Toji doing" she asked innocently, though eyeing her friend carefully. Hikari flinched at the name and hesitated in her response, that was enough confirmation for Asuka who turned to see were Misato and Rei where. Misato had spotted some hats and glasses and was making Rei go through each possible combination. Asuka quickly grabbed Hikari and lightly dragged her off to the side a little so that they could talk.
"So" said Asuka eagerly, "have you kissed him yet?"
"Asuka!" responded Hikari in a shocked voice, though soon after she turned red, with a shy smile on her face.
"We've kissed" she whispered, her face redder and her smile bigger then before.
"And?"
"It was …. nice" she said finally.
Asuka then continued to press Hikari for information, getting out many details of the developing relationship, she even managed to keep her criticisms of Toji down to a minimum, something unexpected but pleasant for Hikari. They didn't have much time, but after five minutes Asuka ended the discussion with.
"Well I hope he knows how lucky he is, that bonehead had better treat you properly" she said with a smile.
"Don't worry, if he doesn't, I'll give him a bop on the head!" Hikari replied, giving one of her best class rep poses. The two girls giggled to themselves as they went back to find Rei and Misato. They returned to find Rei wearing a petite French beret and a small pair of rim-less round sunglasses.
"Misato?" said Asuka flustered "Can't I leave you alone for a second"
"What" replied Misato innocently "I think she looks great."
"Do you not like the hat" asked Rei quietly. Asuka put her hand on her chin and gave Rei a once over.
"Actually on you, it's not bad" Asuka said "But from now on me and Hikari help decide, otherwise Misato's going to have you look like some damn French poet!" she finished. Misato gave Asuka a quick dirty look and all four continued to shop happily. And so it continued for the next 2 hours, the girls steadily made progress, utilising some portable change rooms to have Rei try every combination.
During the same time the boys went off to explore the town, it wasn't very large, though they did find the start of a walking track up to a nearby hill.
They returned to the market place, Shinji leaving Kensuka and Toji to look over some electronics while he looked for the girls.
He found them with Rei standing in front of the other three, showing of the latest combination, a nice simple summer dress with a small cardigan. The three sitting females were looking on with a professional eye and Asuka instructed Rei to spin around. Rei complied but stopped as she caught Shinji's eye. Rei looked exhausted, unlike the other girls shopping did not appear to be her cup of tea. Shinji gave her a pleasant smile, which seemed to pep her up.
"So what to you think Shinji?" she asked pleasantly.
"You look very nice" Shinji replied with a smile. Rei smiled and turned back to the three girls.
"I would like to have this dress" she said simply, but sweetly. Asuka, annoyed by having her vote overridden by Shinji let it show a little in her expression, but after two hours she was also beginning to have enough.
"Good choice Rei, I agree" she said in the end, Misato and Hikari nodding in agreement. Shinji having noted Rei's earlier expression approached Misato.
"Would it be O.K if we had lunch now Misato, we found a lovely cafe up near the bridge" he said looking down at his watch. Misato also looked down, not realising how much time had past.
"Sure thing. Ritsuko is meant to be meeting us in half an hour anyway" said Misato. They gathered together Rei's new wardrobe, Asuka making Shinji carry the lot to the cashier. There were about 3 complete outfits as well as some other items. Rei stayed in the summer dress and soon the new and old clothes were bagged and payed for. Shinji was glad to see Toji and Kensuka again, giving 1/3rd of the bags to each of them. Grumbling the boys led the girls up the river to the cafe they had found just across the bridge. All gratefully settled down at a table outside near the riverbank. They let out a small sigh as they finally sat down, even Rei. Misato called Ritsuko to tell her where they were, and soon the waiter came to take drink orders. Soon the air around the table was filled with idle chitchat as they waited for Ritsuko before ordering. The atmosphere was surprisingly friendly (especially considering Asuka and the three stooges were on the same table) but Asuka was mellow today, and the three boys were not quite as silly as normal, so the atmosphere remained civil.
Some things covered in the light conversation included Shinji asking Hikari what cooking she had been up to, and Asuka even discussing the town layout and the hiking track the boys found with Toji and Kensuka (much to their own surprise). Even Rei was relatively chatty, having regained some energy after the shopping experience. The pleasant atmosphere at the table was from everyone's point of view, totally unexpected. Granted a lot had happened over the last few months but the changes seen on this table were, to say the least, a pleasant surprise for everyone. Mostly all were still themselves, though now they appeared to consider the others on the table a little more, either toning down their own undesirable habits or being generally a little mindful of their comments, or being forgiving towards others. Misato sat back and watched the children in front of her chat away, smiling to herself.
'It was about time they grew up!' she mused to herself.
About twenty minutes later Ritsuko arrived, just in time too, they were all hungry and ordered immediately upon her arrival. She greeted all, remembering the faces from Misato's party, she scanned the table, lingered on Shinji and Rei who were sitting next to each other. She appeared in a good mood, and asked Toji how his recovery was going. In their discussion it came out that Ritsuko had had much to do with the fitting of Toji's prosthetics, and proudly they both pointed out it was the most technically advanced set of prosthetics in the world. It was capable of simulating 80 of the limbs original function without any undue stress to the host, and only requiring maintenance every two months or so. All were most impressed and Shinji somewhat relieved his friend could still lead a relatively normal life. The food was fantastic and soon all settled down, content to enjoy the mid afternoons going's on. Misato and Ritsuko began to chat about work, though Shinji could tell that they restricted their discussion occasionally because of the company. The good mood on the table was beginning to strain a bit as Asuka's patience with Toji and Kensuka began to ware a little thin.
"Misato?" said Shinji suddenly.
"Yes" said Misato, interrupted from her conversation with Ritsuko.
"I was wondering if we" he indicated the boys "could go on that walking track we found up to the hill near by…… and perhaps if the girls have had enough of shopping?" he gave Rei then Asuka a quick smile. "they might like to come too."
Misato looked at him for a second.
"Sure thing, just make sure your all are back here by four p.m. ok" she said with a wink. The boys got up to leave. Shinji looked back at the girls.
"Well, are you girls coming?"
Asuka looked over at Rei then Hikari, both looking back at her expectantly, she knew why, but then again, the prospect of more shopping didn't thrill her either. Plus she was up for a bit of exercise.
"Well I suppose someone has to make sure the three stooges don't get lost" she said with a sly grin, and all of them got up and made their way off, leaving a grateful Misato and Ritsuko behind.
The trip up the hill was lovely, there were many small blooming gardens and temples on the way as well as some ponds. Originally the groups were segregated but about fifteen minutes in Shinji dropped back and Rei caught up with him, the two talked about Rei's shopping experience. They walked like that for the next twenty minutes, the two boys now way in front and Asuka and Hikari just behind Shinji and Rei. Towards the top the going was a little tough and the conversation slaked off as they all concentrated more on breathing. Finally they came to the top, a medium sized clearing in front of a small but impressive temple which had a rocky outcrop behind. It consisted of a fantastically manicured lawn surrounded, and interspaced, with fountains, ponds and ornamental plants. The clearing offered fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. As the four got onto the main lawn they looked for the other two, whom they had not seen in the last eight minutes or so. Shinji spotted Toji over by the temple, sitting by a large pond. He called out, asking were Kensuka was, to which Toji replied he had gone to climb the rocky outcrop. Hikari automatically moved to go to Toji and didn't originally notice that no one followed her. She turned to see the three eyeing a patch of nearby lawn. Asuka turned to give her a smile.
"Well go on." she said simply, Shinji also gave Hikari a smile, which made her blush a bit but she smiled back and made her way to Toji. Shinji made his way over to a shady patch under a cherry blossom tree and collapsed onto the grass. Rei and Asuka soon followed, sitting on a bench nearby, Rei sitting proper, knees together, Asuka slouching, limps splayed.
"So Hikari and Toji finally got together" Asuka said, emphasising the 'finally'.
"I hope he knows how lucky he is" she added. There was a pause, birds chirping nearby, Rei turned to look at Hikari and Toji in the distance, he had his arm around her.
"I think he does" said Shinji calmly, his eyes closed.
"So how long have you known?" asked Asuka.
"He spilled the beans just after we arrived." replied Shinji. "And you?" he added innocently. Asuka looked at him for a second before answering.
"Not that it's any of your business but she confirmed to me today as well." she said, leaning back, staring over in their direction, adding. "But she's been after him for quite some time, not that I understand why."
Shinji chuckled a bit to himself.
"I think it was a bit of a surprise for him… I don't think he had any idea." Shinji said.
"I do not understand" said Rei suddenly "They never gave the impression that they had any affection for each other, in fact at school it appeared quite the opposite." she added.
"Well that's the proof isn't it" said Asuka. "She couldn't show she cared, so it came out in other ways" there was a slight pause as they all digested that, and suddenly Asuka turned red, adding quickly "But that's not the case in all circumstances."
Shinji, on the ground, kept his eyes closed but smiled a little, he swore he could feel Asuka's eyes boring into him from her seat.
"It does not make sense, if you care for someone you should simply show it" said Rei evenly. Asuka turned to look at Rei.
"Are you stup…" she cut herself off, frowning a little at one of her old comments that almost came out. "You can't do that!" she continued instead "What happens if they don't like you back, it would be so…. embarrassing!"
"Affection does not require reciprocation." said Rei evenly. "It is simply the projection of your feelings to another being" she continued. Asuka gave Rei a slightly confused expression but gave her response some thought, Shinji meanwhile listened intently.
"Yes but how you express that affection may make the other person uncomfortable" she said finally.
"I am not sure why that would be so" Rei replied, looking at the grass, a slightly confused expression on her face. "It is only recently that I have allowed myself to have these… feelings" said Rei. She looked up at Ikari.
"Shinji have I made you uncomfortable?" Rei asked. Shinji's eyes snapped open, he had not expecting the question and was momentarily at a loss, reverting to his old self.
"Well I….. umm … um … well" though then he snapped out of it.. sort of.
"Well, it was a little un-expectant, but it was nice" he said finally, in an almost calm voice. He looked over at Rei and Asuka, both looking back at him. For reasons not even really known to himself, he shrugged a little while exchanging glances with Asuka, who was looking the slightest bit annoyed. Asuka turned back to Rei.
"Well I'm afraid we're all a little bit more complicated then that" she said evenly "Shinji here is not a good example of your normal person" she gave him a wicked smile "I wouldn't go around kissing everyone just because you feel like it" thinking for a second Asuka added "And definitely don't kiss me" Rei looked back at Asuka.
"I am aware that it is inappropriate for me to kiss other girls or adults" she said calmly. "Naturally I do try to consider others when I can" she said, continuing to maintain her gaze on Asuka. Her gaze dropped slightly.
"Though I admit that my experiences are limited." she said, a slight hint of negativity in her voice. Asuka looked at her for a second.
"Well don't worry about it first, you have any question, you just come to me, I'll set you straight." she said reassuringly. Shinji wasn't so sure about that last comment but then again he had no reason to doubt her. Turning on his back he placed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes, a small smile on his face. Meanwhile Rei gave Asuka a neutral, almost doubtful look, though then her expression softened slightly and she smiled a little. She got up, making her way over to Shinji on the grass.
"It is a lovely afternoon" she said off hand. Rei then found a place slightly in the sun and after checking the grass she lay down placing her head on Shinji's chest. Shinji, not overly surprised, only opened his eyes for a second. However a few moments later he opened them with a start as he felt another head on the other side of his chest. He raised his head to look down to see Asuka.
"Well, who would have guessed that Shinji was actually good for something" Asuka said slyly, she was ignoring Shinji but paying close attention for any reaction from Rei. Shinji looked across at Rei who did not appear disturbed in the slightest. Asuka obviously content with this little experiment ignored Shinji and closed her eyes. Shinji gave up, at least he wasn't in too much trouble, and the two girls weren't too uncomfortable. He sighed to himself and lay his head back down. 'Interesting days' he thought to himself, dozing in the sun. And so it stayed for the next twenty minutes or so as the three Eva pilots looked, for once, to be at peace together.
Meanwhile back down at the cafe, the mood was not indusive of dozing. Misato was all ears as Ritsuko told the little she had been able to find out about the past few days events, specifically what she believed happened to Gendo during the black out periods during his time in unit 01. Unfortunately she had not been able to do much as the JSDF had restricted NERV personnel movement as soon as they arrived. Obviously they weren't about to trust Gendo before they were completely satisfied with his answers. She did find out however that the combination of the three AT fields in that particular combination had resulted in a high pitch energy distortion, similar to the ray the 15th Angel had used against Asuka to effect her mind, though in this case an un-directed version. Apparently the energy burst associated with the three way AT field had expanded with the pulse. Thus, only remaining relatively localised. It did however, temporarily effect all minds in the local area resulting in the lapses (and dreams) that everyone had experienced.
"So that's what Asuka experienced" stated Misato.
"Well not really" replied Ritsuko. "The version we received was more intense but not manipulated, Asuka's mind was deliberately attacked, our minds were simply exposed to a general version of what was used against Asuka." Ritsuko answered. "Also Asuka was forced to remain awake, I suspect that us becoming unconscious was our minds self defence weapon. Asuka however did not have that luxury." Ritsuko finished. She took a sip of the coffee she was holding.
"Hmmm not bad" she said softly, enjoying the coffee.
"Do we know exactly what this things effect has on our mind? Not to mention Shinji's or Gendo's? There has been some massive changes in those two since their experiences in the Eva, are we sure they're still in control?" Misato asked, her voice harsh because of the subject matter but still caring.
"Well, what did you dream about Misato?" asked Ritsuko innocently.
"What?" Misato responded, shocked, though she knew the discussion would turn to this sooner or later. "Ah well…. It was mostly my life… what I've experienced, and the people I've met. There seemed to be another version of me in there, and a lot of talking and reviewing of…" she paused, framing her next words more carefully "decisions I have made, and other personal things" she finished up. Looking down a little shyly, though quickly she looked back up at Ritsuko.
"And what did you dream about?" she asked.
"Much the same as you I would think." Ritsuko said, in her usual over innocent voice.
"Everyone I've talked to about it has given a very similar account. Though no-one wants to go into the specific's about the nature of their personal experiences." Ritsuko said with a wry smile.
"It appears that it is a mechanism for self analysis, a seemingly detached version of yourself, unclouded by the weight of your experiences, analysing our past actions and motives in their given situation." she continued. "Something that may be very hard to hear for some people" she added, looking at Misato over her coffee. Ritsuko was allowing herself to get a little to smug in Misato's eyes.
"Probably all" said Misato, holding Ritsuko's gaze.
"What about Gendo?' asked Misato. "The changes in him are massive, he's like a different man."
She noticed Ritsuko flinch at the name and her gazed wavered and broke. Misato was surprised, it was very rare that her old friend showed any signs of uncomfortableness openly. Something was up, though for once she decided that she should tread carefully.
"What's the matter, Ritsuko" she asked in a caring tone. Ritsuko regained her composure and looked up the valley, staring at some distant object. Misato let her have her time, taking a sip of her drink. There was a pause for about twenty seconds, then Ritsuko spoke evenly and slowly.
"You know that I am not one to talk about my personal life"
"Gee, do I know that, you haven't told me anything since the day we first met" Misato said with a big grin, though then she made the connection between the last two exchanges, and her happy face changed to one of shock.
"You" she stammered. "and the commander?"
Misato was shocked.
"How long?" she asked.
"For about 3 years" Ritsuko said simply. Now that it was out in the open she appeared to be more at ease with the topic.
"And in that time, just occasionally I have been able to get a glimpse of what makes him tick, a sample of the real Gendo Ikari."
She turned to face Misato who still had the same shocked expression on her face. "Don't get me wrong he was still that driven determined man that you know him as, that was what attracted me to him in the first place" she said with a smile.
"So, the short of it is that he is still the same man after the incident, I can see that, though his decisions and actions are now no longer affected by his past it seems" she finished up more quickly, recognising that she was letting on to much.
"What about all the things he did to you?" asked Misato still shocked "Only a week ago, I mean only yesterday you were scared to be around him! How could you be with such a man!"
Ritsuko however was remaining calm, she had obviously thought about this revelation before.
"I never said I had good taste in men" she said simply, with an ironic smile "Unfortunately the same thing that attracted me to him in the first place was the thing that allowed him to treat me so badly."
"I was a fool to think I could change the man he was." her face turning to a more stony expression, she continued "My own past demons and stubbornness made me blind to what was happening." she paused. "But the small pleasures received from that relationship is what I used to keep going…… was I not entitled of a little happiness?" she asked, her posture now more demure, that last outburst had been a little unplanned and more revealing then Ritsuko had intended. Misato looked at her friend.
"I'm sorry I raised my voice Ritsuko" said Misato, softly looking at her friend. "It looks like we all learned something from our two little experiences."
Ritsuko looked up at her again.
"Immediately after the incident" she continued, now gaining her composure. "The commander called me into his office….. and he apologised to me?"
Ritsuko could still not really believe her own words. "Apparently during his experience he was forced to not only see, but, to accept all of his previous actions. He said that he would try to right some of his previous wrongs, as much as he could." she lowered her eyes again. "Though he said he would understand if he could not be forgiven for his past actions." she finished up, staring at her cup in her hand solemnly. Misato put on a more determined expression.
"Well considering his recent actions, maybe you don't have such a miserable taste in men" Misato said with a wry smile. Ritsuko gave her a look.
"We will see." she said, not convinced.
"Why is it that every key member of the NERV staff seems to have a history of deep emotional problems?" Misato said in a humorous inquisitive way.
"Hmph" grunted Ritsuko with a smile.
"They're the only ones crazy enough to work there" Ritsuko added, back to her old voice again. The two woman looked at each other, smiling at the ridiculousness of their own past. Both laughed simultaneously. Just then however Ritsuko's phone rang and she calmed down enough to answer it with only a semi-laughing "Hello, Ritsuko here"
Misato looked across to see her friend quickly snap back to her business like pose. It was Gendo on the other end. He asked if Misato and the pilots were there, and Ritsuko filled him in on the current situation. Gendo said that he and Fuyuzuki had been in conference for the last six hours, and that the council was now in deliberation, Gendo had been allowed leave, under supervision, while the council decided on the next course of action. As his future was still uncertain, he wished to meet up with them so as to explain the current state of events while he still had the option to do so. Upon hearing of their location he advised them to all stay there and to get accommodation, he would come to them as Tokyo 3 was still in a state of disarray. He discussed what he required from Ritsuko, some place with a small private conference centre, adding she should not worry about cost, as NERV assets were still not frozen. When asked about the other children Gendo said they could stay or go if they liked, whatever was convenient, he said he would be there in about three hours and excused himself. Ritsuko turned and relayed the information to Misato, they looked at each other questioningly.
"Well, it looks like we get to find out things sooner then we thought." Misato said, a hint of pleasure in her voice. Ritsuko nodded and the two continued to discuss various topics, they chose lighter subject matter, and the two old friends actually started to talk like two old friends.
Meanwhile back up on the hilltop Shinji was woken up by Kensuka's shouts, he looked across to see his friend up on the top of the rocky outcrop waving his jacket around. Shinji moved to get up and the girls responded, lifting their heads to allow him to leave, though Asuka mumbled something about being a useless pillow under her breath. Shinji got up, shouting back to Kensuka who said he had found a relatively easy path up to the top, and that he and Toji should come up. Shinji looked over at Toji who still had his arms around Hikari, Toji looked at her and she nodded with a smile. Letting her go he went over to Shinji and the two went off under the distant direction of Kensuka. Hikari made her way over to the still lying girls, and joined them on the grass. The three chatted away happily, lying in the sun.
It only took the two boys five minutes to join their friend up on the top, and the three sat there admiring the view for a while.
Eventually they came down and the party of six made their way down the hill. They returned to the cafe to find a note from Misato, telling them to call her phone, Asuka contacted her and found out the situation regarding Gendo. Misato and Ritsuko had found a local hotel with a conference room at some thermal springs, and the six were told to meet them there.
They arrived to find a beautiful hotel, built to look like some ancient temple, but renovated in the most modern ways. It was simply beautiful, with the thermal springs looking much like that one Asuka, Shinji and Misato had visited after the defeat of the 4th Angel. Upon discussion Toji, Kensuka and Hikari decided to stay the night, not wanting to give up the chance to stay at such a lovely establishment for free. They went off to ring their parents/guardians for permission. Ritsuko got six rooms, as Gendo had instructed, one for the girls one for the boys and one for each of the adults including one for Gendos guard. The hotel was relatively quiet and there was no problem organising the rooms. Soon the travellers were off investigating their rooms for the night.
The rooms were spacious, with TV, air-conditioning and luxurious private bathrooms, not quite as nice as the last hotel room he stayed in (thought Shinji) but that one was simply over the top, he thought with a smile. The NERV party was allocated two adjacent private hot pools, one for the boys one for the girls and soon everyone was out relaxing in the late afternoon sun, enjoying the thermal pools and picturesque manicured gardens. The five woman were in their element, though the three boys had to concentrate to ignore the fact that there were five gorgeous naked woman separated from them by only a single bamboo wall, luckily they soon got over it. They stayed like that till about 6 o'clock when Toji and Kensuka left to explore the hotel. Asuka, Hikari and Rei also left, with Hikari and Asuka discussing ways to fix Rei's hair. Ritsuko and Misato were dozing. All was quiet when Shinji heard the door to his thermal pool open. He looked up to see, to his surprise, his father, dressed in nothing other then a bathing towel. Shinji however didn't flinch, remarkably, calmly looking at the man he almost didn't know. Gendo was no-longer wearing the sling, obviously deciding the wound was not that serious, though his shoulder was still bandaged.
"Shinji" said his father.
"Father" answered Shinji calmly.
Over in the woman's pool there were noises indicating that someone had just fallen off a deckchair.
"Misato and Ritsuko are in the pool next to us". Shinji said, pointing with his thumb. Hearing Misato swearing under her breath, Shinji and Gendo smiled.
"Captain Katsuragi, I hope you're ok" called Gendo loudly. "Ritsuko, I must commend you on your choice of accommodation." he added.
"Thank you Gendo" replied the voice of Ritsuko, relatively calmly, almost playfully "I hope your conference went well" she added, returning to her usual tone. Shinji raised an eye, it was unusual for Ritsuko to use Gendos first name.
"It went as well as could be expected" said Gendo. Shinji's father came over and took a seat in the pool, leaning back on a rock and closing his eyes.
"Ahhh" Gendo sighed, something else unusual for him, for a moment silence returned to the pools.
"What do you think will happen to you? To us?" asked Shinji, interrupting the silence. He closed his own eyes and leant back. It was amazing how calm he was around his father now, totally inconceivable only a month before. This fact did not escape Misato or Ritsuko, who gave each other a mildly surprised look, though listened to the answer intently.
"Well, you are all safe, you were not in charge" he said evenly "You are also still too useful to the legitimate U.N forces. My fate however is a little less certain, if my usefulness outweighs my past actions, or the continuing mistrust in my motives, is yet to be seen"
There was a pause for a second, with the only sound coming from the small waterfalls continuously supplying the pools with fresh water.
"Though that will come out later tonight" he said softly. "As for now, I would like to do what I have been unable to do for some time now, simply relax" and with that he let himself sink into the water until he was completely submerged, raising again slowly and leaning back on the rock smiling.
"Major Katsuragi! Would you be so kind as to organise dinner, to be served in thirty minutes?" he called out over the wall. Misato, caught off guard listening by the wall, moved back quickly, giving away her previous action.
"Certainly Sir" she called back, giving Ritsuko an annoyed look while making her way to the door.
"I'll come to" said Ritsuko, loud enough for the males to hear her, and the two woman made their way out of the pool. Shinji heard their door close, and he and Gendo were left alone in the evening air. They stayed silent for about a minute, only a solitary bird breaking the silence with a lonely but beautiful call.
"It is a lovely evening" said Shinji finally, in a reflective way.
"It sure is" replied Gendo "And it's because of you that I am able to enjoy it at all" he added. Another pause.
"That was an interesting experience, the one we both went through" said Gendo, opening his eyes and looking at his son. "Though I wonder… How did you know that I would be able to come through?" he asked off hand.
"I wasn't." said Shinji simply "Though given the situation as it was" he opened his eyes and looked at his father. "It was the best course of action, and worth the risks… Given the alternatives" he said evenly but not unkindly. They held each others look for a few seconds, before Gendo broke off, smiling to himself and looking up at the sky. He chuckled slightly.
"I've underestimated you Shinji, your actions were… very commendable" he said finally, looking back up at the sky. Again a pause. his smile faded slightly.
"I suspect you know that fate and history will not allow our family to operate in any normal sense, even from now on" Gendo said evenly.
"I am aware of this now" Shinji answered thoughtfully. "I no longer have undue expectations, or indeed a need for them."
He paused for a second.
"Like you, I am now able to see others true intent somewhat clearer, and knowing this…. is enough for me" he said finally. He smiled to himself, appreciating his own words. He sat for a few more moments then made to get up.
"I will see you at dinner."
And with that he got out of the pool and put on his towel. Putting on his slippers, he was halfway to the door when he heard his father speak again.
"Shinji"
Shinji turned to face Gendo, who was looking back at him seriously. "As I am, I'm sure Yui is proud, and grateful for your actions" he said, then gave a weak but heartfelt smile. Shinji smiled back then turned to go to the door, he opened it, pausing before going through he said.
"Enjoy your bath." and with that, he left.
Shinji returned to his room, showered, and changed into his clean clothes. This hotel really was upper class, their clothes had been sent to the laundry to be ready for them after the bath, as they had no change of clothing with them, except for Rei. Shinji left his room and ran into Ritsuko who was walking down the hall. The two headed off for the dinning room, Shinji speculating about what strange menu Misato had probably concocted. Everyone else other then Gendo was already there, seated around a large banquet table. Shinji sat between Misato and Kensuka, to Misato's delight, Kensuka had been continually asking her questions about NERV and the Evas. Ritsuko took the place to the other side of Katsuragi. Soon the first course arrived, it looked like Misato had let the chef decide what to serve, the options were delicious and varied, even Asuka didn't mind. They were about twenty minutes in when Gendo arrived. Out of habit some of the NERV staff moved to stand, but Gendo quickly told them to remain seated. He sat next to Ritsuko and started to serve himself. Even though the conversation had not been particularly buoyant before it was dead quiet now. Pretty much everyone was still nervous around Gendo for many different reasons.
Shinji looked up and around, no one looked particularly stressed, but then again no one looked entirely comfortable either. Shinji smiled to himself, funny really, one of his oldest desires was to understand the man his father was. It had always appeared to him that he knew the least about his own father. Now it appeared that he was the only one who actually even began to understand the new man, while everyone else was incapable of separating the current Gendo from his past, a past they could not understand in any case. Shinji thought about how to best break the silence without getting into discussion about the subject to be discussed later.
"Well this definitely beats NERV cafeteria food" he offered. There were a few smiles at that comment "And its definitely better then Misato's cooking" contributed Asuka cheekily.
"Hey?" said Misato in a hurt tone, though Ritsuko and Shinji were suppressing a laugh. This broke the mood somewhat and Rei asked Hikari a question regarding the food, having discussed food earlier in the day, and Rei finding out that Hikari was a good cook. They continued to chat through the rest of the meal, with everyone listening, glad that the awkward silence had been broken. They finished up with desert, after which they made their way to the conference room. After a quick discussion with Gendo, Ritsuko, a little surprised, asked if Toji, Hikari and Kensuka would like to join as well, to the immeasurable delight of Kensuka. Soon they were seated at a long business table with proper chairs etc. Gendo sat at the far end with Ritsuko to his right and Misato on his left. After all were seated the room fell quiet, the only sound coming from the air conditioning vents. Staring at them in his usual pose, Gendo then lowered his hands and began to talk.
The explanation lasted for about two hours, the most informative two hours of any of the participant's lives, bar Gendo naturally. Even Ritsuko was unaware of the full picture, though she helped elaborate for a lot of the confirmed truths that she knew of. The audience was on a whole well behaved though there was some upheaval upon the revelation of Rei's Angel origin, though Shinji lead the way in reassuring her that this would not effect their attitude towards her, an opinion which everyone quickly echoed. This appeared to dissipate the one concern Rei had with the debriefing, as she treated everyone to a generous smile. The only other near incident came when Gendo elaborated about what had happened to Kaji. Gendo chose his words carefully and was obviously repentant, though Shinji swore that Misato was milliseconds away from loosing control for a few minutes. This all changed instantly when the biggest shock was revealed, Kaji was still alive! Misato almost fell from her chair and Asuka looked shocked, as Gendo described Kajis arrest and incarceration. Apparently he had been left alive for interrogation about his contacts with SEELE, he was still a captive while the JSDF figured out what to do with him. Gendo was quick to assure Misato that he had made every effort to facilitate his release. Misato looked like she would burst into tears for a while but like the true professional she was held out to the end. The discussion wrapped up with a few questions, mostly from Kensuka, though they were spot on and no one else needed to ask any. The only subject Gendo remained vague on was the exact nature of what had happened to him and Shinji within the entry plug. And Shinji, when asked, did not wish to elaborate either. After giving a brief description of the challenges to come Gendo was finally finished and returned back to his usual pose. After observing the stunned faces in front of him for a while he suggested they all get to bed, it had been a long day. Everyone was still in a relatively large state of shock and almost mechanically began to file out of the room in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Gendo asked that Rei and Shinji remain behind with Ritsuko, of the others Misato was the last to leave, she gave Shinji a reassuring smile before closing the door behind her.
Half an hour later Shinji and Rei were walking down the corridor back to their rooms in silence. They passed a small garden and Shinji asked Rei if she would care to sit and talk for a while, Rei nodded. They sat down on a small bench next to a pond, the moonlight illuminating a wonderfully mild evening. Rei automatically sat close to Shinji, though he backed away a bit so as to look at her.
"Rei" he said. "What do you think about what was just told to us, I mean to only us."
He looked at her evenly.
"I am not sure what you mean." she answered looking back. "Gendo simply stated that the person I was cloned from was your mother Yui Ikari, though genetically I am still mostly an Angel"
Her face did not reveal any emotions towards the subject matter at all.
"I had already become somewhat aware of the experiences of my past two lives through my interaction with you, she gave Shinji a smile, to which he couldn't help but blush, "Though the commanders descriptions did clarify a few matters" she said finally. She looked at him for a short while, Shinji's mind was racing with how to proceed, suddenly he simply said.
"Why did you kiss me that night after the dance?" he asked suddenly, now it was Rei's turn to blush. She looked away for a second though then returned to lock gazes.
"After seeing that other couple, I thought it was the best way to show you that I care for you" she said simply, there was a pause as Shinji again struggled to put a sentence together.
"Since I have met you I have changed so much." she continued "You have cared about me right from the start, even though you didn't have to, you are a special person Shinji Ikari"
She finished by giving him a shy smile. He looked at her for a second, his face a mask of concentration, then finally he came to a decision.
"Rei I care for you a lot as well." he said. "In fact it's only now that I realise how much I care for you, and in what way"
He took her closer hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Even though genetically we are only distantly related, I want you to know that I have come to realise that I think of you as my sister, a sister who I will care for and support as long as she needs me."
He smiled at her, though his eyes were searching for a reaction, he hoped like hell that he had read Rei's character and emotional state correctly. His fears disappeared as she broke into a massive smile (the biggest he would ever see her give) and suddenly gave him a massive hug. He hugged her back, immeasurably relived at her reaction, and the two reflected happily towards their new future relationship.
About thirty minutes later Shinji returned to his room, Kensuka and Toji were already changed and talking furiously from their bunks, they stopped as soon as Shinji entered the room, Kensuke turned to Shinji.
"So what was that all about? Keeping you and Rei back, where there more secrets?" he asked. Shinji closed the door behind him and walked over to the other two.
"No, not really" he replied. "Just some personal stuff, you know"
"You and Rei, Ha" asked Toji slyly. Shinji gave him an odd look and burst out laughing.
"No… no not at all, I just found out she's pretty much related actually" he said calming down. Toji and Kensuka exchanged glances, this day just kept getting stranger and stranger. The topic moved on, and the boys talked long into the night about the days revelations. Over by the girls it was the same. Gendo and Ritsuko also spent a large amount of the night talking, taking a walk along a nearby stream and sitting for a long while in a moonlit garden. In-fact the only person not talking was Misato, who was out in the thermal pools garden with a bottle of saki, looking at the stars, smiling to herself. Though she did say one word to herself.
"Kaji" she said softly, a small smile on her face, a solitary tear falling down her cheek.
Authors notes:
The three together, as well as general group dynamics, it was good to show how they interact with each other; quite liked that section. A big sorry to all the Rei/Shinji fans, but you did get a bit of fun, to be honest I always felt that even though they would only be distantly related, if anything, a brother sister relationship would always work best, or at least in this case, where Shinji is no longer a quivering mess… Rei is such a kick ass character… Hmm so is it Shinji/Asuka? Will have to wait and see.