Chapter 3: Asuka Langley Soryu, the Pilot
"Angel attack?" Ash and Al wondered in unison. They look around the deserted high-rise city for a sign to guide them, when a giant red mechanical robot appeared with a large power chord sticking out of it. It was holding a knife in its hand, in which the blade was glowing. The boys exchange a look to each other, nod, and run to the robot. Meanwhile, the robot was staring down a being that actually looked like one of its own, but without the chord and it was in black and white. Behind was another robot in blue and purple. Inside the red robot, a redhead teen girl was thinking of a way to get close to the target when a screen appeared with a teen male with black hair on it.
"Asuka," the boy starts. "I've confirmed with Misato that this angel is a copy of Eva Unit-03, the one Toji was in. There's also no one in this one."
"I was going to ask for something I don't know," Asuka smirks. "...But that'll do, Shinji. What about Unit-00?"
"Rei's Eva is out of reserve power, since her external chord's been severed. We don't have an extra chord to supply."
"Do you have a plan on taking out the angel, 3rd child?" Shinji wasn't sure.
"I thought you would. Don't tell me you wanna wing it, again." Asuka's Eva charges at the angel with the blade pointing at it. "Asuka, stop!" No avail. The angel brings out a blade itself and blocks Asuka's attack. It pushes the Eva back 15 feet.
"What do you think you're doing, you idiot? Back me up," the redhead growled. During this, Ash and Al arrived to see the three giants in battle.
"If you had a guess," Ash starts to ask. "Which one do you believe is the 'angel'?" Al looks over the battle and sees the chords on Asuka's and Shinji's Evas, but not the one in the middle.
"My guess is the one in the middle," he points. Then, the angel turns to Shinji's Eva, and lunges for him. It throws a punch, but was defended when Unit-01 crossed its arms, then pushes off. Asuka's Eva quickly approached from behind the enemy, ready to pierce the angel with the blade.
"You're mine!" she yells, as her Unit-02 stabs the angel in the back. It screeches in pain, as the blade keeps adjusting in its back, causing evermore pain and splitting open the angel's back. "Here's the coup de gras!" she barks out as she reels the blade back for a finishing stab. She lunges the blade, but the target knocks it out of Unit-02's hands, and cutting the external chord, nearly severing it. The battery backup system kicks in, with the clock showing 32.82 seconds. "Only 32 seconds?"
"What?" Shinji shouts in surprise. The angel slowly approaches Unit-02, as Asuka was stuggling to find a way to take the angel down with the battery pack quickly being exhausted.
"What can we do?" Al asked Ash. The trainer looks at the chord, cut halfway. Then, he remembers a few items in his bag.
"I have an idea," Ash grins, and runs to the chord. After climbing on, he pulls two rolls of tape: one electric tape and one duct tape. Al and Pikachu soon arrived. "Pikachu, Al, I'm gonna tape the wires inside, then we patch it up." Ash dives into the opening, and tapes up the severed wires. Then, he pops out and starts taping the cut, but leaves a small opening. "PIkachu, use thundershock to jump start it." Pikachu fires electricity into the opening. Inside, the timer was counting down to zero. '4'...'3'...'2.12'. It, then, displays 8:88.88, revealing the chord is in.
"What the-" Asuka starts to go into awe. Al drew a circle on the duct tape after Ash covered the rest.
"Here we go with alchemy," the younger Elric brother chanted as he clapped his gauntlets, and places them on the circle. The tape started to fuse with the chord, sealing the ripped spot. Unaware to the repair crew, Shinji saw the repair of the chord. Asuka decided not to think about the blessed luck and decided to attack the angel.
"Shinji, hold him," she roared. 'Third Child' snaps out and grabs the angel. As Asuka charges in, Ash and Al started to climb up the chord, up to the back of Unit-02's neck. Then, a stab goes through the angel. After a few seconds, it goes down in a heap. "Well, that's that." After a little while, which included Unit-01 getting another mech in yellow, the three desended underground. During the desent, Al dipped to the feet of Unit-02 carefully.
"I'll go into hiding, Ash," he said before he proceeded. Then, the Evas land in a base, where matinence workers were standing by. That's when a capsule sprung out from the Eva's back, and sprayed out a strange yellow substance. Then, the capsule opened up, and Asuka appeared, in a red, skin-tight jumpsuit, and red hair down to her waist. Then, she jumped down to the catwalk, just as Shinji, in a blue/white jumpsuit, walked by.
"I can't believe matinence didn't recharge the batteries like they were suppose to," Asuka snorted. "I mean, really...33 seconds."
"You were the lucky one," Shinji protested. "I only had 11 seconds."
"Lucky? Look who's talking? Your external chord wasn't ripped apart."
"Well, then, how did your chord come together?" The arguement continued as they entered the hallway. Ash saw the coast being cleared, and jumped onto the catwalk. Seeing those two argue made the trainer giggle.
"That brings back fond memories," he said semi-quietly. Then, another girl approached Ash from behind.
"Excuse me, but, who are you and what are you doing trespassing into NERV?" she grilled, causing Ash to turn around. The girl had short blue hair, red eyes and was in a white jumpsuit. Ash was unsure about how to answer, when the empty tape rolls fell out of his pocket. The girl picked up the roll, and observed it. "I see. So it was you who repaired Soryu's external chord. May I ask your name?"
"It's Ash. Ash Ketchum."
"Ketchum, huh? I'm Rei Ayaname." Ash chuckled a little.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Rei."
"Follow me." Rei and Ash, with Pikachu on his head, entered the same hallway that Shinji and Asuka entered before.
"So was that giant in the middle of the scuffle an angel?"
"It was."
"I thought angels were residents of heaven, those who pass away who have committed no sins."
"We are not sure about that, since they've been trying to annihlate humankind since the second impact."
"Second impact?" They stop in front of the boys' locker room.
"I'll meet you in briefing." With that, Rei walks further down the hallway, disappearing.
("Did you understand anything she said?") Pikachu wondered.
"Not really," Ash monotoned. That's when Shinji, in more casual clothing, stepped out and saw the trainer and mouse.
"So, what was that conversation with Ayaname all about?" he asked.
"She saw these, and knew what happened," Ash answered as he revealed the empty rolls.
"I knew it. So it was you who helped Asuka out."
"Now that was the redhead, right?"
"Yep. By the way-" 'Third Child's' talking was interupted by two women: One was a purple-haired who looked to be in her late 20's while the other was...
"Who are you talking to, Third Child?" Asuka questioned, now appearing in a school uniform.
"Hey, Misato, Asuka." Asuka approached Ash and leaned into his face with a mean look. "Asuka, what are you doing to him?" Misato sees Pikachu and picks the mouse up.
"Well, this is a strange..." she starts. "...And really cute pet you got here." She starts smothering her face into Pikachu's cheek. Ash and Asuka did the anime-style faint. Shinji, Misato and Pikachu look at the two with disturbing faces, because of the positions the two were in.
"This wasn't what I was expecting for a first impression."
"Oh, shut it, Shinji," Asuka growled. "Besides, I was hoping you could answer his appearence."
"Hey, we just met a minute ago. Why don't you ask Ayaname? He was talking to her before."
"Maybe I should." She turns to Ash. "And your coming with me."
"Now hold on," Misato jumps in. "We need to report to briefing, soon."
"I'll meet you there," Asuka snaps, and walks off, with Shinji following.
"What's her problem?" Ash wonders.
"She has a thing for trying to be better than anyone without any help," The major states. Then, clanging noises start to echo. "What's that?" They turn around to see Al approaching, which got Misato a little scared.
"There you are, Ash," he grins.
"Hey, Alphose," Ash chirps. Al looks over to Misato holding Pikachu tightly.
"Seems Pikachu has a new admirer."
"Wh-What are you?" Misato raises her voice in fear.
"Relax, this is Alphonse, a friend who's in the armor," Ash motions as he tries to calm the violet-haired woman. "He's a kind and gentle friend." Al nods. "And I'm Ash, Pikachu's trainer and friend." He offers his hand for a shake.
"My name is Misato Katsaragi, a major down here in NERV." She shakes Ash's hand and mildly blushes. "Sorry, you remind me of a childhood friend."
"Really? Well, speaking of the past, those two arguing reminded me of a girl I constantly fought with."
"Shinji and Asuka? You don't say." Both exchange a giggle. "Well, we better get to the briefing room. They're about to start with the review." Two hours later, after the review and other means, the six exit NERV headquarters. "Well, now, what are we going to do with the two of you."
"Actually, Ritsuko had asked me if I could help her with repairs on the Evanglions," Al commented. "That leaves Ash." Shinji and Misato nodded.
"Now, hold on," Asuka raises her voice. "There's no way he's sleeping with us. There's hardly any room for him."
"That's true, but," Misato agrees. "Is it all right if I bring home your little Pikachu?"
"I guess," Ash said unconvincingly. That's when Rei, in street clothes, steps up.
"I'll let him sleepover at my apartment, tonight, but we can eat over at your place, Ikari, right?" Rei asks politely.
"Oh, yeah, I'm trying out some french recipies that Prof. Nubaira loaned me," Shinji grinned.
"French cuisines? Oh, you romantic wannabe," Asuka mocks.
"Well, have you ever had any french dishes back in Germany?"
"Mein gott. Like I would?" That's when Ash started to laugh at the site in front of him. "What's so funny?"
"I'm sorry," Ash snickered, and continued to laugh. After a little while, Al headed back into NERV, as the rest headed to Misato's apartment. At the apartment, the french dinner was something out of a catalog, but the taste was no-less delicious. "Geez, an Eva pilot, a high school student, a chef...you got a busy life." Rei didn't eat much, since she was a veggitarian. She, instead, gave the meat to Pikachu to eat, who was still hungry after it finished its plate.
"Well, this mouse was certainly hungry, tonight," Shinji quoted.
"I'm more surprised about its table matters," Asuka added. "Did you have help training this little guy?"
"Yeah, well," Ash said sheepishly. "Travel along with friends can do that to you." Two hours later, Ash and Rei are ready to leave. "Now, be good, Pikachu, and don't terrorize Pen Pen's area," mentioning the penguin.
"Hey, from all we know, it might be sleeping with Misato," Asuka mocks.
"Good luck with those sync tests," Shinji cheers. That's when the two head over to Rei's apartment on another part of town. After Ash gets settled in, both get to bed.
"Ketchum?"
"What is it, Rei?"
"Earlier, during briefing, when Soryu and Ikari were arguing, you were chuckling. May I ask why it was nesscesary?"
"Those two reminded me of when was traveling with Misty. We mostly didn't see eye-to-eye and we got our lungs in punching matches."
"Like you and Ikari, you must have a reason for getting into fights."
"Really? What goes on with him?"
"Soryu wanted to be the greatest Eva pilot, but Ikari kept scoring higher in the sync ratio scores. That's the first test you'll be going through. She constantly fails to understand what kind of life Ikari has gone through. What kind of arguements did you and 'Misty' get into?" Ash sighs.
"The fact that I destroyed a bike of hers. She constantly brags about how precious her bike was. There were other reasons, but the bike was the biggest issue, until I replaced it. We hardly see each other, much less get into a yelling match."
"Do you have interests in this girl?" The trainer blushed and sighed with a smile.
"I've never really thought about it, probably because no one had bothered to ask me that."
"I see." Silence for three seconds.
"Do you have any feelings for Shinji?"
"For Ikari?" Rei started to show some red in her face. "I...don't really know. I can't find the confidence to confront him." Tears start running down her face. "What should I do?" she whines as she places her hands over her face. "Ketchum, what should I do?" Ash knew Rei was admiring Shinji, but was unsure about how to confess. He knew he had to say something, but what could he say? When it came to confidence, it was during his Pokemon battles, but how can he translate a battle to love? Then, it hits him.
"Rei, love is like a battle, even though the fights we take place on is different. If you hesitate in the battle, you might not make a comeback in time. If you want Shinji, don't lose confidence." As Ash explains the battles of love, back at Misato's apartment, Asuka was taking a bath with Pikachu, while Shinji was finishing up some homework and Misato was enjoying a can of beer.
"Say, Asuka?" he asked. "Do you remember Ash laughing during briefing, today?"
"Yeah, what about it?" Asuka counter-questioned.
"Well, I was wondering why he was laughing at our fight?"
"What do you mean 'laughing at us, fighting'? If anyone had a reason, it's him."
"She's got a point, Shinji," Misato monotoned. Asuka turns her attention to her bath partner.
"I don't know why 'fifth child' had to laugh at us."
("'Fifth child'?")
"Your trainer, silly."
("Oh, his fights with Misty.")
"You mean like a reminder?" Pikachu nods, making the redhead think a little bit. "Ash and Shinji, like twins." The next morning, at NERV HQ, Ash and Rei arrived for the trainer's sync tests, much to the delight of Al and a blonde in a lab coat, looking 30.
"Hey, Ash," the armor cheered.
"Al, Ritsuko, what's up?" Ash said.
"Your arrival, for starters, on time," Ritsuko points out. "As soon as Misato gets here, we'll get started." That's when the violet-haired guardian arrives, with Pikachu on her shoulder, and a cup of tea in her hand. "And speak of the devil."
"Yeah, aren't we all," Misato joked as Pikachu jumped onto Ash's head. "So, the preparations complete?"
"We're ready to go," Al said. Two hours later, Ash was in a pod, naked, but covered inside. The tests were starting, and everything was looking good.
"How soon to the border line?" Ritsuko asked.
"15 seconds," a man answered. "7...6...5...4...3...2...1...It's pass the border line. The condition is green." A printout shows up for Misato to read it, only to grin at the result.
"Get this," she starts. "Ash's sync ratio matches Asuka almost to the wavelength."
"I guess not even the trainer can match Ikari," Rei monotoned. Then, sirens were blaring.
"Don't tell me..."
"Fast approaching," a woman said. "Signal's blue." The angel was like a spider.
"Matariel?" Ritsuko wondered. "No, it's another duplicate." A hour after the sirens sounded, Eva Unit-01 and Unit-02 arrive at the surface. That's when Matariel-2 fires particle beams at the Evas. "This doesn't look good." That's when a voice enters the control room.
"Allow me to help."
"Ketchum?" Rei questioned.
"It's Ash," Al answered.
"But how can he be talking to us-" Misato was starting to wonder when Ash cut her off.
"I'm using telepathy. Listen, is there a way I can communicate to the other pilots?"
"Yeah, hold on." A telecomm appears in both Evas.
"Shinji, Asuka, are you there?"
"Ash?" Shinji questioned.
"Fifth child, what are you doing?" Asuka asked.
"Listen, I know how to defeat the angel. Try to take out the legs. Then, swiss cheese it."
"Swiss it?"
"Oh, it wants to drain the fluid, but why?" Shinji ponders.
"Who cares, let's do it." Asuka brings out the missle shotgun and aims at Matariel-2 as Unit-01 rips a force field apart. Unit-02 shoots and destroys the legs. Shinji fired his machine gun, thus ending the life of the angel. After the liquid from Matariel-2 was drained, Auska sees the Queen's Key and, using Unit-02, picks it up. "How did a key wind up in the angel?"
"Good question." Back at NERV HQ, Asuka shows Ash, fully clothed, and Al the key.
"The Queen's Key?" Ash says in excitement.
"Ash, you know what this means, do you?" Al asked, quivering. Pikachu nods.
"Well, what does it mean, fifth child?" Auska grills. Ash and Al reveal their keys.
"Looks like your coming with us." Ash and Pikachu nodded in agreement. That's when Misato and Ritsuko.
"Hey, Misato, what were Ash's results?"
"The sync ratio is equivelent to you," Misato responds. "We also believe he borrowed the Magi to use telepathy."
"Here, Asuka," Ritsuko said as she handed the redhead a watch with the NERV emblem on it. "You can use this to summon any weapon you want, but once you do, you won't summon another for six hours. Just a go away present." Asuka nods.
"Thanks." All three keys were raised, thus, bringing out the portal for travel. Everyone waived goodbye, as Ash, Asuka, and Al enter. Then, it vanishes. That's when Rei slowly approached Shinji.
"Ikari," she moaned. "Do you have a girlfriend?"
"No, not at all," Shinji groans.
"Is it all right if I be your girlfriend?" The question surprised the son of the cheif, then, smiled.
"Of course." They both hugged and cried. Meanwhile, the three and Pikachu find theirselves at a campus site. Asuka sees the post sign.
WELCOME TO THE AOI CAMPUS-THE SCHOOL FOR FIRST CLASS MAGICIANS
"If anyone makes jokes about magic being in the air," Asuka starts. "I'll go all out." This made ASh and Al sweat drop.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Ash, Asuka and Al are at a magic school, where a boy is hunted...by so many women. How can they help?