Disclaimer: Instead of doing a long typical disclaimer, I'll be brief. Anything that has a copyright protection belongs to their respective owners.
Notes: Again, I suck.
Eins Zwei Drei
By North Freezing
Chapter 2:
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" I can't run away…I can't run away…" In front of him was the 3rd angel, the abomination that brought everything to shambles ever since its arrival, his sworn enemy.
The specially designed 8-shape magazine quickly accelerated the uranium rounds into a magnetized state, which was then fired off at high velocity out the barrel of the pallet rifle. It was an automatic rail-gun so to speak. A weapon that had been in service for two years and still remained as one of the top state-of-the-art weaponries, a powerful tool of destruction if you happened to be about 50 meters tall.
" Missed." The mechanical voice from the computer replied. Damn. The pilot grimaced. It sure looked easy back then. A beep and the flashing warning sign on his HUD told him the angel already changed position again. I won't miss this time!
Fired, missed.
" Screw this! Can't you guys install a mouse and keyboard on this thing? There's no way I'll be able to hit anything using a joystick. This got to be stupidest way to play FPS!"
" Watch your language young man." A disgruntled Doctor Akagi said as she monitored the simulation. " You're not suppose to treat it like a video game. The eva moved by your thought, so hand-eye coordination is the key. The switch is only there to help you visualize yourself hold the gun, so stop trying to jerk the handle off! That's why you're missing a lot." She typed down a few more commands on the console, " At least your close quarter combat improved a bit. Jerking with your knife lately?" A few giggles erupted among the female technicians upon hearing the doctor's remark.
" Hey! I resent that!"
" Well, I guess that's it for today. You can get out and take a shower now. Don't worry about the little mess you made in the 'entry plug'. We'll take care of it." Making fun of my creation huh. Ritsuko smirked as another wave of giggles followed after her comment.
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Misato blinked when the door to the test chamber opened and a red-faced Touji ran passed her. Wonder what happened. Deemed it as probably not important she continued her way into room. " So, how's the test?" Misato asked as she got behind Ritsuko and placed her head over the scientist's shoulder, who was just finishing uploading the test result into the magi databank.
These past three weeks had be a lot busier than usual ever since the Fourth Child had been found, who was none other than one of Shinji's friend, Touji Suzuhara. The boy sort of outgrew her charm when he got into high school. It was still fun to tease him once in a while about his relationship with Hikari though. From what she heard, people already treated them as an item, but it was never made official considered neither confessed yet.
After double-checking the data to make sure all three magi system had the correct info for cross evaluations, Ritsuko acknowledged Misato's presence. " Touji's synchro-rate with Unit-03 has increased enough to activate the eva. I'd suggest against any long-range weapons for him in the near future though. On the side note, he still needs puking bags, maybe we should just install a compartment for it…"
" I don't think we're going to worry about an angel attack anytime soon." Misato murmured.
It had been about two and a half years since the incident with Ramiel, but there were no signs of angels. Spring break was just over for students and new school year was about to start. Touji had informed them that they took his precious vacation time away from him every chance he got.
Shinji did not awake from his coma-like state in two years as magi had predicted. The fact that he had been sleeping all these times without require eating, bodily functions or anything else was a mystery itself. During his absence, Nerv and the world in general had undergone some drastic changes.
In Nerv's case, everyone had panicked after the news that the Third Child got trapped in a semi-awakened eva got around. People were freaked by the fact that the only pilot and machine that had defeated the past angels was unofficially out of action and Unit-00 needed an overhaul that would take approximately two weeks. So another angel attack would've been the end of humanity. Countries that had evas refused to give them up in order to pacify their citizens despite the fact that the angel only attack Japan, however with enough political pressure they did yield, stating that if another angel attack was to occur the eva would be sent, but only then. The world was on a wary lookout for the messenger of doom ever since.
The effort seemed to be a pointless one however, as the angel seemly vanished out of existence even after Unit-00 finished its repair. A year later, the tension had lessened. Nerv started to lose its political dominance in the world, and a cutback was decreed. Many branches had to be disbanded because the required funds for building and maintaining new evas were deemed as unnecessary, which left about five included the main base. In the following year two more got shut down, so only three remained operational, one in Japan, one in Germany and one in America. The most recent one that got shutdown was the second America branch, right after they delivered Unit-03.
The cutback of Nerv's budget meant that the taxpayers' money could be spent elsewhere, and many countries planned to do so. The commander however, was able to influence a small portion of that money supply for Nerv some how. Things like new weapons and more armament buildings were developed. Furthermore, Tokyo 3 had gone through a makeover that fitted the image as the new capital. Thanked to mass brainwashing and propaganda by media, the city's population had also increased by 1/3 of its original size. Many people started to believe the angel threat had disappeared. And even if they were to attack again, the new and improved Tokyo 3 would be the safest place to be. The citadel of mankind as some would say.
" What about Rei?" Misato broke out of her reminiscence. " She finished her test yesterday, so I'm guessing she achieved your expectation?"
While Ritsuko brought up Rei's data for her Misato turned her attention to the brown-hair assistant of Dr. Akagi. " Or should I ask her guardian?"
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" Ah-chu!"
Rei raised her hand and gently rubbed her nose. She blinked twice and wondered if she had developed an allergy. A few moments later she continued her way to the simulation chamber when no further sneeze ensued.
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" That girl sure changed didn't she?"
Maya nodded her head in agreement. Rei had looked so distant and quiet back in the days, but no one tried to approach her. She didn't try to talk to anyone either. It was understandable considered her only focus was the eva, but Maya couldn't help but feel sorry for young girl. However, with the arrival of Third Child, Rei had more to deal with than just synchro tests and schoolwork in her life. Having a colleague meant teamwork was required, and the key to that was the interaction, an unfamiliar territory that the blue-hair girl would have to explore. Both Children had bad upbringings, so no one was surprised if either struggled to deal with each other, but apparently Shinji had no real trouble with Rei, and vise versa. Rei's aura of fear didn't seem to affect him; either that or it simply disappeared when they were together. She couldn't tell for sure, but Shinji had seemed comfortable around her unlike most people.
Or maybe it's Rei who's comfortable around him. She smiled inwardly. I've been reading too many romance novels. She shook her head and laughed at the thought. The woman side of her was playing match making again without realizing it. That had started the whole mess.
After Rei recovered from the 5th, she was briefed on the status of the Third Child and how she was now Nerv Japan's sole pilot. The girl had given her customary response, which surprised no one. However, in the following week Maya noticed small differences in the young albino's actions, little things here and there, all minor details, nothing concrete. For example, she had found Rei waiting outside EVA-01's cage, until the girl realized that the Third Child wasn't going to exit the eva anytime soon.
However, something happened at the end of that week.
Flashback
Because Dr. Akagi was busy deciphering the data about the double AT field, Maya was entrusted with Rei's weekly checkup. Much to her surprise the girl who was always on time was late by ten minutes. She shrugged it aside as no one's perfect. But three things happened during the exam that caused Maya to change her opinion.
Firstly, when she tried to make small talk with her, a small fluctuation appeared on Rei's ECG and EEG, an indication that something was bothering her.
Secondly, the topic had been about the Shinji's incident, one of the few subject that both could talk about. The differences were that 'Rei' was the one who initiated the conversation.
Lastly, It had bothered her enough that Rei had 'urged' her for a solution to her problem, declared that it was detrimental to her duty as a pilot. The girl was clearly bothered by the absence of Shinji and was at a loss with how to cope with losing someone close to her, having no prior experience.
The situation had almost drawn tears from the short brown-haired woman's eyes. Oh my! This is almost like one of those tragic romances I read about! Wait, then she… she may try to suicide! The young technician was horrified by the thought.
"Rei, I don't know a real solution to your problem. I guess time might help… but I if you need another girl to listen to your problem, don't hesitate to ask me. I promise I'll be there to listen!"
The First Child nodded, yet her face displayed uncertainty. A thought suddenly struck Maya. That girl doesn't even know her own feelings!
Maya pondered some more and came to a conclusion.
"I have a guest room in my apartment that you can use, so if you're worry about space it won't be a problem. Ahh, I guess that's a bit unclear. What I'm trying to say is… Rei would you like to live with me?" She continued after hearing no reply, " Well, it's settle then. I'll take care of all the require paperwork. The test is finished for today so why don't you go home and get ready? I'll drop by later to pick you up!"
Someone need to keep an eye on the girl so she doesn't take her own life!
End flashback
And thus began Rei's life as a roommate with another person. There had been some difficulties involved with the necessary procedure, but they were quickly eliminated when Maya asked at her sempai for help with watering-puppy-eyes-look of hers.
The remaining day had been used for a shopping spree after Maya arrived at Rei's apartment and saw only a suitcase fill with school uniforms and a single box that contained all Rei's possession. The one-day-only unlimited credit card that Ritsuko gave her had nothing to do with it of course.
It's not until that night when Maya was on her bed did she realize something important. Wait, I've never had any experience dealing with this kind of things!
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Rei pressed a few keys on the computer. After customized all the option she entered the simulation chamber.
" Difficulty set at extreme, do you wish to proceed?" The computer asked as the First Child entered.
" Affirmative… wait" She frowned. " Delay the simulation for 30 second."
Her nose started to itch again.
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" Wow, straight A's. I'd say her combat potential rivals Asuka over at Germany." Misato exclaimed as she went through the rest of the combat data. " Geez, every shot made within fifty meters are all bulls-eye! How much time did she spent in that VR room again?"
" Five hours per day and doubled the amount on weekend." Maya whispered. While she decided to keep her own promise to Rei, Maya had also insisted the First Child to find something else to do to keep herself occupied, something to distract the girl, as she couldn't watch her all the time. She had expected Rei to choose writing, knitting, cooking, or sports. Stuff normal girls usually do. But never in her life did she expect the girl to take up espionage training as a hobby!
I saw Captain Katsuragi took Shinji in without much problem, and I assumed Rei would be the same. She shook her head. The captain must be a lot more responsible than sempai said... She didn't know raising someone would be so tough. The young albino honestly didn't have a lot of common sense, so she had to teach her basic concepts like making sure the curtains are closed when changing, dealing with personal hygiene, laundry, cleaning, etc. The entire ordeal had her wrote a mental note in big bold letter with red highlight to avoid doing anything without knowing what she's getting into in the future. Needless to say, Maya was frustrated to see her attempt to raise Rei into a normal 16 years old girl failed miserably. The commander was pleased at the result however. She even got a raise.
" I guess that warped everything up for the day." Ritsuko declared. Unlike the old days where she had to stay overtime for the maintenance of the magi system, a couple upgrades over the years had made that task a weekly event instead of daily. No angel attack had also reduced her workload. " Misato, have fun with the paperwork."
" Meanie…" Misato stared at the mountain of documents that Ritsuko had magically produced from nowhere.
" Hey, you have had a cushy job for a while. Time for you to produce again."
Misato looked down. " Yeah, yeah, so there wasn't an angel attack for two years, but it wasn't my fault they aren't coming!" She signed, grudgingly resigned herself to the unjust providence and prepared to begin her journey to paperwork hell.
Then the entire base went dark.
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Over at the restricted area Cage-01, two gigantic yellow orbs shined in the darkness as if expecting something. Moment later, huge waves of electric currents sapped through the walls of the cage accompanied with thunderous roars and filled the room with light. The wild serpent-shape electric bolts then struck at the sole occupant in the room, the gigantic form known as Unit-01. When the bolts struck, the glowing eyes of the artificial demon intensified, as if the demon was ready to wake up and razed the world. The air around the sleeping behemoth distorted visibly as the bolts continuously snaked into Unit-01. When the last bit of light disappeared inside Unit-01, a shockwave that caused the entire base to shake was released.
A few seconds later, the head of the purple goliath slumped forward. The mysterious electroconvulsive therapy seemed to trigger something within the giant. The hatch that had been left unopened for more than two years let out a hiss and slowly slid open. The entry plug that had been inside the eva all this time then unscrewed itself and pumped the LCL out the holes on the side of the white cylinder.
The power returned to the Geofront once more.
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" What was THAT?" The female Nerv captain exclaimed.
After checking the magi to make sure no major data was lost, Ritsuko replied with a worried tone in her voice. " Something's wrong. It's impossible for us to loose all power like that."
" I'm aware of that." Misato frowned. "I don't like the look of this. Ritsuko, check the magi to see if we're under attack."
Ritsuko's hands moved at an incredible rate on the keyboard as the scientist in her emerged. Could it really be an invasion? Or has the Angel finally decided to show up again? After making sure the base is still functional, she doubled her speed to assess all the security data from the magi to find out if the automatic defense system would need to be activated. She relaxed a little after verified that Nerv wasn't under any attack. Nearby Maya also confirmed no trance of blue pattern.
Visibly relaxed, Misato exited her operation director mode. " That's a relieve, but we better check what had caused that power shortage."
A newly changed Touji burst into the room. " Someone care to tell me what's going on? I was in the middle of getting out of the plug suit when the light went out. " Touji looked pale after a quick glance at all the serious expressions on everyone's faces. " Don't tell me an angel is attacking? I'm not ready for that yet!"
" No it wasn't an angel attack, we're currently looking..." Misato left her sentence unfinished when Ritsuko announced the answer with a shaking tone.
" The cage… the presence of AT fields within Unit-01's cage had disappeared… Entry plug… ejected."
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" So we finally got the Third Child back."
On Gendo's monitor was the live feed of Dr. Akagi in the ER. " Yes, he's currently under observation at the medical facility. He's still asleep right now, but he brainwave started to show strong activities. If the doctors are correct, he'll wake up within 5 hours. I've already prohibited all visitors including the Fourth Child and the captain until we're sure of everything."
Gendo nodded his head and indicated the doctor to continue.
"The physical resemblance may be different, but his DNA is the same as Shinji. His body has to mature into sixteen years old after all, and consider the chance of someone swapping the pilot with a fake is impossible without us noticing, this person is definitely the Third Child." She continued after checking more medical reports. " His body has been tenderized after not moving for more than two years, it's a good thing LCL is does not act like water or we'll have a serious case of dropsy on our hand, he'll also have a tough time talking because he hadn't spoken or eaten anything all this time either. An acupoint injection therapy has already been applied and we're also preparing to give him a shot contains numerous healing agents and nanomachines to facilitate the recovery process. In the mean time, even though I'd like to ask him some questions, it's best for us to wait until he recovers."
" And how long will that take?"
" Approximate two weeks, but he should regain his ability to speak within the first week."
" Is that all?" When Ritsuko confirmed his question, Gendo shut off the monitor without saying any parting words. Hey, the years might have changed him a little but he still had a reputation to keep.
" What are we suppose to do now? The committee has been in a disarray ever since they realized the events weren't following the scrolls." The sub-commander who acted like Gendo's shoulder angel asked. " Everything up till the so-called fifth angel may have been a giant coincidence; the things we fought may not be the angels; the giant of light at South Pole may not be Adam. Are they still going to try to initiate the HCP like before? The scrolls may be a hoax from some alien beings for all we know."
" What Seele would do is their business, we follow our own schedule."
" And what's this 'schedule' that you failed to tell me?"
Gendo said nothing but smirked.
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End Chapter 2
TBC
A/N: First, if you think renovating Tokyo 3 in two years is impossible. You have to consider that they finished building both Tokyo 2 & 3 within 14 years after a major catastrophe that killed about half the world's population. Two metropolises, and one had the ability to sink underground, pretty impressive if you ask me. Not to mention the original Tokyo that got N2 bombed was also rebuilt into the JA research facility. I've got my own explanation for the fast construction rate in this eva universe, you'll know sometime in the future.
So where's the crossover you asked? You'll have a little clue on that in the next chapter. I'll tell you something though. This fic will have more than one crossover. :P
Since I consider the three pilots to be the holy trinity of eva fic, don't worry about Asuka, she'll appear eventually. I already planned the story all the way to how it'll end. The core of the story won't change from what I envision, but I may add or remove some ideas.
PS. Sorry for the crotch joke.
And I still hate the formatting of this site.
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Omake: What happened to Rei?
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Rei flattened herself against the wall, using all her senses to look for signs of her enemies. She had been careless and stayed in the open for too long and a sniper spotted her position on the roof. She had barely dodged the shot intended for her head and got back inside the building, but the guards had been alerted and were now searching for her.
All she had with her was a combat knife; the sniper rifle was abandoned back on the roof. The situation didn't look good.
A hum from the elevator signaled that someone's using the elevator, no doubt coming to her present level, the 4th floor. Not a good sign, it meant at least two backup squads were coming up from the stairs as well if her experiences were correct. She frowned at her impediment, but it went away so fast that no one would be able to tell the difference from her usual stony expression.
Rei moved herself beside the elevator, pressed the down button, and waited for the elevator to stop. She kept an eye at the doorway to the fire exit while she waited. This would be my only chance to get out of this alive. Rei thought. If the backups arrived sooner than my calculation I would be doomed. She drew the knife out of its sheath and got into a crouching position as the elevator came to a stop.
When the tip of a M4 poked out from the semi-opened door she made her move. Still in a crouching position she quickly turned. The first guard who had his gun pointed at chest level blinked as his eyes caught a flash of blue below him, but before he could act something sharp embedded itself to his crotch. Continued before her first victim could scream, Rei used her other hand and reached around the guard's waist and pulled the safety pin from a grenade. Still holding the knife in her right hand, she performed a back flip, knocking the poor guy back against his comrades when her shoe connected to his lower jaw; the knife came free at the same time.
Rei then ran toward the fire exit as the elevator closed behind her. The backup would arrive about now. She was five meters away from the door when it swung opened. Without any hesitation, she threw the knife at the person who opened the door. The first guy's instinct saved him when he shifted his body to the side. He stared with disbelieve as the deadly blade lounged into the face of his partner. When he turned to face his adversary, all he saw was black as a powerful flying roundhouse knocked him into unconsciousness. A loud rumble went off at the lower level, indicated the grenade exploded. Hopefully it'll distract the second team.
Rei was about to pick up the rifle and blasted her way down the floor when everything went dark.
A confused First Child blinked.
" Computer, status." She asked after she came to her sense.
No response.
She sat down. It would pointless to try to find the exit without any light, especially after her rather intense exercise, as she was still disoriented from the simulation. So she waited, something she had gotten used to.
But it also brought unwanted thoughts, thoughts that would interfere with her piloting, thoughts of Third Child…
Damn hormones. Rei thought unhappily. She needed to kill something soon.
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End omake
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