Reminiscent
Chapter 2 (Part one)
Author's Note: Sorry to everyone for taking such a long time to update, but hey, that's the way it works for me. I just don't seem to update on a regular basis. Thank you to all my reviewers! I have yet to address the reviews … I might as well start now.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot.
Long awaited replies
Shadowfox83: You are correct, the prologue does indeed occur in the future, more like an epilogue, but that's all I'm going to say about that.
Narsil750: There was no mention of who spoke the last words in Ch. 2 nor was there any description of the expression the speaker faced. Just don't assume anything.
Dennisud: Maybe I've over-romanticized the bit, but they are a little out of character, and hopefully it'll be plausible as the story unfolds and I elaborate on their relationship already established before the story even begins. Things are happening at NERV, internal conflicts one might say …
"Akagi-san, how are the experiments with our new dummy plug system coming along?"
His tone chilled not only the spacious executive office he occupied but also the underground laboratories wherein his voice was received through the phone. Fingers flexed against each other in a pyramid formation on the varnished mahogany bureau the commander sat. Clear spectacles that somehow hid his cool gaze at the precise reflection of the light would've blinded anyone who laid eyes on him, if they were ever allowed in his proximity. The commander seldom left his office these days; other employees of NERV often wondered if the shady man resided within the four dark walls of his top-floor room. The rumours had some basis of truth; besides lurking around the humongous testing grounds and local facilities that was NERV, the contemptuous man was rarely seen by the general public.
To his only son, he was but a shadowy figure, a source of constant pain and the reason for his self-loathing, apathetic personality. To his surrogate daughter, he was the all-knowing God whom she both obeyed yet despised. To doctor Akagi, he was the man of worship, her source of detached, infrequent sexual experience. To his deceased wife, he was the man she once loved, the one twisted by the mind, manipulated by God into insanity whom she loved anyways.
"They're performing as expected sir," was the firm reply with little or no emotion behind the words at all.
After all emotion was only a public display of weakness, or so she was told. Her friend, Misato Katsuragi was the perfect example.
The recently promoted Major was known to be not only temperamental but also to rule by heart instead of mind, which is considered detrimental to any high-ranking job, especially one where she constantly put young teenagers' lives on the line. Dr. Akagi was convinced that in some unfortunate stroke of luck, a life was lost; the major would never be able to surpass the guilt. Secretly, Akagi had been gunning for Katsuragi's position for ages, but of course, she'd never verbalize that particular statement.
"So I'm assuming not too well."
"That cannot be assumed at this time. Evangelion Unit 00 has yet to properly synchronize with the test subject. The progress is currently advancing 5 per minute." She reported, pushing the brims of her spectacles closer to her eyes as she read the notes from her binder.
"Very well, inform me when synchronization level has reached an acceptable level. We will then begin simulation and tests from the mainframe." Commander Ikari ordered and disconnected the intercom from his telephone, turning off the giant screen mounted on the wall of his office as he did so.
•·.·´¯·.·•
Pushing the sleeves further up his arm so not to accidentally soak his white shirt in the bucket of water he was carrying, the thinly framed boy made his way towards the sofa with much difficulty. Three white towels now turned blood red were discarded mindlessly on the polished wooden floor and more were to follow as the Shinji gently dabbed at Rei's wounds.
"What the hell happened to you, Wonder Girl?" Her arms were folded against her chest as the red-haired EVA pilot casually leaned against a column. Asuka didn't particularly care about the state her co-pilot was in; she only opened her mouth to end the dreadful silence that befell them since the albino's unexpected entrance into their home.
"Just another simulation exam failed. The causes of my poor results are most probable due to the low synchronization rates I've been receiving." The First Child replied officially, her usual emotional detachment in place, much resembling that of Commander Ikari's, except much less cooler.
"They're going to kill you one day, and you won't protest a word as long as your precious Commander gives the orders." The Second Child sneered, flipping her hair from one shoulder to another.
"Dying is simply a part of life, if my death would further the NERV/SEELE mission, the termination of my life would be inevitable. Rebirth would soon follow." She stated much like dictating the words from a textbook even though the topic at hand was of her death.
"You are a doll, Wondergirl, and I have no clue why the baka likes you." The Second Child replied, pointing her head at the boy standing over the First Child.
"Pay Asuka-san no heed, she seldom means what she says and even less says what she means." Shinji whispered cautiously, receiving a small nod of reply from Rei."
"I heard that, baka!" Her retaliation was swift and rather painful. The German girl's palm collided with Shinji's cheek with a deafening noise. The instant she did, the First Child felt a sudden urge to defend her co-pilot and inflict the same act upon the Second Child.
"Do not strike the Third Child for he was merely stating his opinion, and in this case, the truth." Rei's voice was calm as usual, portraying only a fraction of the stirring emotions within her. She not only surprised the rest of the occupants of the room (including Pen Pen) but also herself with her unusual outspokenness.
A/N: No, this is not the ending of this chapter, but since I'm going to be unable to update for a while, I'd figure I give you guys what I have so far … I know it isn't much, but at least it's something?