With a break (short break) from schoolwork, I now have more time to write. So here is chapter 6 of my Eva story. Been a while since I've updated, but this is true for all my stories (this school year has been way too busy for me). While I'm not completely happy with the pace, at least it is now resembling something original instead of being a completely like the series.
Of course, I have already ranted about that for the last five chapters that I am sure you're getting tired of it by now (if you haven't already). So I will rant about something else that I've also ranted about in the last five chapters…grammar. :-P Seriously, after rereading a few of the last chapters, I started to notice that, they still have grammar mistakes (and these are the ones that I know about without consulting say, an English teacher or a grammar book). One thing I brag about this story is the fact that I proofread before I post it. Just goes to show you, even if I do proofread, I'm bound to miss something (well maybe that just means I need to proofread more then once before I post. Which I might do…one of these days). If I ever have time (or the desire) to go back, I will fix them. At the moment, I'm just going to press forward.
Oh yeah. And if you have noticed, the humor of this story is slowly building up. Which was why originally, I had it labeled under the humor section (I planned this story to be a lot funnier then it is now). However, since this isn't a laugh out loud funny story (yet at least), it's going to stay in the drama section for now.
Now, back to an old review about a kickass Shinji. The more I thought about it, the more I thought that might make an interesting story. While this story pretty much only works with whimpy Shinji, the idea of a kickass Shinji might be interesting. However, I'm sure that other writers have already dealt with that concept. If I ever write a story with kickass Shinji, hopefully that story could be somewhat original (one things for sure, that idea probably will be a lot more original then this one from the get go!). But until then…this will be my only Eva story, whimpy Shinji and all.
Unless I have something else to say, on with the story!
NERV HeadquartersShinji was taken into the infirmary. After the Angel hits his Eva right when he arrived on the surface, NERV instantly retrieved him to prevent further damage to the Eva and to Shinji.
Misato stood outside of the infirmary's door as a machine begins scanning Shinji to check out his condition. Misato sighs as she thought about the situation. 'Thankfully he's alive. But now…with that Angel up there…' Misato's mindset changed when she hears a voice behind her.
"Is he alright?" Maya looked on sadly at the infirmary door where Shinji currently resides.
Misato gritted her teeth. The last person she wanted to be close to in this situation was standing right behind her. However, at the moment, there's no reason why she should be chew her out since, she did nothing wrong, yet. Although she was certain that she still had a job to do at the moment, Misato really can't fault her for being concerned about Shinji's health. After all, all of NERV is concerned about it well. For various different reasons granted, but still concerned. She can chew her out later for some other transgression that she could think of. Misato finally let out another sigh before she responded to Maya. "Shinji went through a pretty big shock. I'm sure he'll be fine but, they are going to keep an eye on him for now."
Maya lowered her head as she contemplated her next response. "That's good. Its…its important the he's alright."
"Yeah." Misato lightly nodded.
After a moment of silence, Maya spoke up again. "Um…" Maya began. She didn't want to bring it up right at this moment, but they still had a job to do. And it was still out there, putting the entire city in danger. "About the Angel…"
Misato closed her eyes. 'The Angel. Yeah.' "Obviously we need to gather all the information about it. First, let's see what's its capable of and how we can counter it."
Shelter"Shinji and Rei still haven't defeated the Angel yet?" Touji was getting bored. They've been stuck in this shelter for the past three-hour or so.
"Aren't you a little impatient? I mean, what did you expect?" Kensuke eyed Touji. "It isn't like they could magically defeat the Angels in five minutes or something. Remember the first Angel attack? We had to stay in the shelter for the entire day."
"Yeah. And when I really had to go, it wasn't pretty." Touji remembered the time when he really had to go during the first Angel attack. 'I really had to go! I really had to go!' Touji grimaced at that. They should've built bathrooms in these shelters. I mean, if we can't leave them until the Angels are gone, and the battle were to ever rage on for more then a day, then what? Still, unless that were to ever happen, Touji now makes sure he goes before he entered the shelter. Barring the last time when Kensuke dragged him into that 'let's watch the battle' plan. Next time he suggests that, Kensuke will have a nice black eye or two. But back to the present, "But that was before Shinji came to town." Touji yawned. "I mean, you remember how Shinji kicked that Angel's butt."
"After he was getting thrown around first I might add." Kensuke took out his laptop computer and started typing. "And if the enemy had any brains, they obviously will not use the same tactics twice."
Touji sighed in defeat, as he couldn't argue against Kensuke's logic. I mean it's rare, but at least in this case, Kensuke's logic was sound. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. But its still annoying sitting here waiting for them to do something."
After checking to make sure that everyone was okay, Hikari sat down next to Touji and Kensuke. She glared at them as she remembered the last time they were in a shelter. She frowned. She was lucky that the administrators let them off with little more then a slap on the wrist. She might not be Class Rep now because of these two morons. "You boys don't have to go again like last time do you?"
Both Touji and Kensuke shook their heads. "No Class Rep. We've learned our lesson."
"Good!" Hikari stood up and put her hand on her hips. "If something good came out of this…"
Touji and Kensuke rolled their eyes.
"HEY!" Hikari snapped at the two stoogies. "I was lucky that I didn't lose my position."
"Yeah. And we're sorry." Touji and Kensuke sighed.
"Good!" Hikari crossed her arms and closed her eyes. "Now that we got that out of the way…" Hikari sat down next to Touji. She smiled at him. "How's it going Touji?" She leans in closer and blushes. 'Please notice, please notice, please notice…'
Touji, being dense as he is, doesn't notice. "Fine. Why Class Rep?"
Hikari frowned and sat back. "You know, you can just call me Hikari. I'm not Class Rep all the time!"
Touji blinked. "I think I'll just call you Class Rep for now. Calling you by your real name sounds…weird."
Hikari was incensed and whacked him in the head. Flames seem to be shooting out of her eyes. "What do you mean by weird? Suzahara!" Hikari started choking and shaking the moron.
"Ack!" Touji tried to get a word out. "I was just kidding Class R…Hikari! Sheesh!"
Kensuke chuckled a bit. "You know Touji, you really shouldn't be pissing off the Class Rep!"
Hikari finally let go. She turned away from him and fumed. 'I wonder what I ever say in him? Sheesh. Ever since the last time I thought…' That reminded Hikari of something. "Hey Kensuke, do you have any information about how long we are going to be stuck down here?"
Kensuke shook her head. "Complete media blackout again."
Hikari sighed. "Well, guess we just have to wait for the all clear before…"
Kensuke deviously grinned. "Well, maybe there is another way…"
Hikari eyed Kensuke suspiciously. "What do you mean another way?"
"Well…" Kensuke turned to his laptop. He brought the three in close and whispered. "All I needed to do was figure out the frequency and unscramble the encrypted signal without drawing attention to myself, and I can now listen in on NERV communications!"
Touji's eyes widened. "YOU CAN NOW…"
Kensuke was frantically covering Touji's mouth. "SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kensuke looked around to see if anyone suspicious overheard them. "Do you know how hard it was for me to unscramble a restricted frequency? If anyone else found out, they might take my laptop away, switch to a different frequency, and or use another method to scramble it, all my hard work will be gone!"
"Okay, okay, okay, okay!" Touji tried to calm Kensuke down. "But wouldn't you had to just hack into your father's computer…"
"That's not important!" Kensuke shushed Touji up. "What is important is that we can listen in at the goings on at NERV! Just make sure no one else finds out, or we'll REALLY be in trouble!"
'If anyone else found out, it would be a lot more serious then the last time.' Hikari thought. 'It would be a lot safer for Kensuke if he just forgot about this whole thing.' However, her curiosity was getting the better of her. 'Maybe, just for a little bit…just to know what's going on up there.' "Well, I guess listening in for a little bit wouldn't hurt…"
Both Touji and Kensuke stopped what they were doing, and stared at Hikari.
Hikari frowned with all the attention she was getting. "QUICKLY BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND!" Hikari harshly whispered at them. "Just so I know how long we have to stay here. Nothing more. Got it?" She glared at the two.
Touji and Kensuke looked at each other and nodded.
"Okay." Kensuke put on his headphones.
"Hey?" Touji frowned. "Can't we hear?"
Kensuke frowned back at Touji. "Just a precaution! Have to make sure someone walking by us doesn't listen it to. Like that guard of there?" Kensuke points to him.
"Fine." Touji replied, defeated again. "Just don't hog the headphones okay?"
"How about I just tell you?" Kensuke sees Touji roll his eyes before nodding. Seeing this, Kensuke started listening into the conversation going on at NERV Headquarters. The more he listened, the more concerned he got. This was reflected in his expression that the other two noticed.
"What is it?" Hikari whispered to Kensuke. She frowned. "Is something wrong?"
Kensuke lightly shook his head. "Not exactly…though from the sounds of it, it doesn't sound like it's going too well either."
"Uh oh." Touji felt slightly depressed. "Don't tell me Shinji is getting a beat down now is it?"
"Shinji!" Hikari felt a little worried. "Is he alright?"
Kensuke shrugged. "I don't know. From the sounds of it, he's not even fighting right now."
"WHAT DO YOU…" Touji shouted before he instantly stopped himself. He looked around and saw a few people staring at him. He weakly waved at them, slightly embarrassed. As the onlookers turned their attention away again, he started talking again, this time whispering. "What do you mean not fighting right now?" Touji harshly whispered to Kensuke. He was a little ticked off. "He's here to stop those Angels! Shouldn't he be out there fighting them?"
Kensuke glared back at Touji. "Like I said before, it is unwise to start charging at the enemy without gathering the necessary Intel. Or do you want to bring a knife to a fight when everyone else has guns?" Kensuke watched as Touji shook his head as he was beginning to concede his point again. "That seems to be what they are doing right now!"
"How do you know that?" Hikari wondered.
"Well…" Kensuke started. "From what I can understand, all they have been doing for the past few hours was bringing out decoys. First, they brought out a fake version of Unit 01, Shinji's unit, to see how fast the Angel can respond, and how far away he can hit it. Then they used a Type 12 mortar cannon and fired it at the Angel, with the same reasoning." Kensuke was still uneasy about calling them 'Angels' since historically, Angels were beings of good that helped humanity. Not these monsters trying to destroy humanity. "My guess, they are trying to find a weakness before they bring Shinji out."
Hikari felt a little relieved. 'At least they haven't used Shinji yet.' "So, how is it going?"
Kensuke dropped his head. "If I'm interpreting this right…not good. Both the decoy Unit 01 and the R2 mortar cannon have been completely annihilated!"
"ANNIHA…" Hikari and Touji covered their mouths. "Annihilated?"
Kensuke nodded. "It doesn't sound good. At least, when it comes to close…"
As they were saying this, two guards where standing above them.
All three eyes widened as they stared behind them. All three waved at them. Sweat started to pour off of them. Kensuke instantly closed his laptop as all three nervously responded, "Hi?"
"What was not good mister?" The first guard coldly glared at Kensuke.
Kensuke swallowed hard. "Oh, that I might have to go soon and um…"
The guard narrowed his eyes. "Well you're in luck. You're all allowed to go home…"
"What?" All three were completely stunned. "But…"
"HOWEVER…" The guard continued. "As you probably have suspected, the Angel is still out there."
'I wonder why they call those monsters Angel?' Hikari wondered. 'Anyways…' "Why are we being let out?"
The guard glared at Hikari. Hikari seemed to melt in fear under his strong gaze and decided to allow the guard to speak. "The Angel has not moved from its position over Tokyo 3 Null Zone."
"Tokyo 3 Null Zone?" Kensuke rubbed his chin. "Isn't that where…"
"Yes!" The guard glared at Kensuke who also lost his will to speak up. "Also, the Angel doesn't seem to be a threat if you stay outside of it's firing range which this shelter, and the areas that it covers are all are. Although we suggest staying in the shelter until it is neutralized, since it does not appear to be an immediate threat, as long as you stay OUTSIDE it's firing range, you are all allowed to go home. Understand?"
All three stood up and bowed. "Yes sir."
"Good. Oh, and be aware, everything else about the situation is CLASSIFIED!" The guard watched the three gulps before continuing. "Now, unless you have anything else you like to talk about, that does NOT concern the Angel above us, then I will leave you three be." The guard gave one last cold glance before leaving the shelter.
Kensuke looked at his closed laptop and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Well, that was fun. Guess we should head back out."
"Is that really a good idea?" Touji asked. "I mean, what'd you heard, and the guard's suggest…"
"He also said that as long as we stay out of his firing range, we would be safe. I'm guessing that they've been checking the distance of this firing range when I tapped into their communications! Heh! We've got worked up for nothing!" However, Kensuke on the inside, was still worried. "This does mean that they would have to fight from a distance or they would be vaporized! They're going to need some serious long range weapon and a lot of power to stop it." Kensuke said to himself. He raised his head and started to address the other two again. "Since we live pretty far from where that Angel currently is, we should be fine!" Kensuke tried to reassure Touji. "Unless you want to be cooped up here all day doing nothing, going home for a while shouldn't be a problem. Besides, worse comes to worse, we'll be back here in no time!"
"Hopefully we won't be back here anytime soon." Hikari sighed. However, the suggestion it was not going as well as they had hoped, from what Kensuke said, didn't sit well with her. 'I hope Shinji is okay after this one.' Hikari turned to Kensuke and Touji. "Well, I guess a home, do my homework, and cook a meal. Say guys, want to come over to my house and hangout?" Hikari smiled brightly.
Kensuke and Touji looked at each other. "Nah."
Hikari smile disappeared. "But…"
"I think I'll hang out at Kensuke's house right now." Touji patted him on the back. "We'll probably play some videogames for a while. I still need to get him for the last time."
"Hehehe. Yeah!" Kensuke grinned. "However, you can try, but you can't beat me at Gran Turismo 4!"
Touji grinned back. "Yeah right! Last time was a fluke! Besides, I have some sweet moves that will guarantee that you will never win!"
Kensuke chuckled. "Ha. You're funny Touji. You know you can't beat the Gamemaster!" Kensuke proudly posed.
Hikari sighed in disappointment. She was also a little annoyed with the two. They seem to cut her out of everything. "Fine. Well, see ya guys."
NERV HeadquartersRei Ayanami walked down the hallway. Although she was ready for a moments notice, wearing her jumpsuit just in case she gets the word anytime soon, given that she has yet to reactivate Unit 00 without any errors, they are reluctant to send her out. And at the moment, combat would not be wise. Not that she could even get close to the Angel given its range of attack, but still, without a error free test, it was simply too dangerous for her to go out. With Shinji knocked out however, they might not have a choice but to do just that with NERV Headquarters, and presumably the entire world at stake. Then again, even if he was awake and ready, a solution to defeat this particular Angel might require both of them out anyways. Whatever. That's up to the commander to decide. And whatever he decides, it must be done soon. At the rate of the Angel's drilling, they have about nine hours or so before it reaches the Geo Front.
At the moment though, she has a few things to check up on. One of them is Shinji. She approaches the infirmary door and was about to enter. However, as she looked to the side, she notices that Maya has been pacing back and forth in front of the door. 'Maybe she knows something about Shinji's condition that I don't know of.' "Miss Ibuki…" Rei asked in her typical monotone voice.
Maya almost dropped the cup of coffee that she was holding and she hears Rei's voice. "Oh," Maya placed a hand over her heart, relieved that it was Rei and not…say, Misato. "Hi Miss Ayanami! What can I do for you?"
"I was just wondering about Pilot Ikari's status." Rei stared at the infirmary door.
"Oh! Is that all?" Maya smiled brightly. 'It seems Rei Ayanami is opening up more. I guess Shinji really has an effect on her.' However, the idea of Rei opening up to Shinji…seemed to not sit well with her. 'I wonder why?' "Well, I'm happy to say that there isn't any physical damage. Though his nerve pulses are up by 0.8 percent. Still within the acceptable limits…" Maya watched Rei look at her with an odd expression. "Hehehe. I guess you don't really care or understand that so…well, just know that he is alright."
"I see." Rei Ayanami continued to stare at the infirmary door. 'Then he should be ready by tonight.' She looked up. 'Funny. Ramiel is doing this all for naught since his target isn't here. Not yet at least.' Rei lightly grinned.
"Anything else Miss Ayanami?" Maya continue to hold her smile. For the most part, this was the first time that Maya had any meaningful conversation with her.
Rei's grin disappeared. 'Like why do you seem to care about the Third Child so much when there are more important things that you should be concerned about.' "Yes." Rei glared back at Maya. Although her expression didn't change much, it seemed, colder for some reason. "You should return to work Miss Ibuki." Although there doesn't seem to be a detectable change in tone, Rei's last reply seemed to feel, harsh.
Maya was taken aback a little. Maya watched Rei enter the infirmary. "What was that all about?" Maya wondered. 'Well, while she was confused by Rei's last statement, she had to admit; she needed to get back to work. Otherwise, the crazed 'Operation Director' might bite her head off, again. Not that she cared. But anyways, since she needed to return to her work, Maya started walking back to the control center.
On the way she 'bumped' into Misato and Ritsuko.
"Hey! Watch where you're going…Miss Ibuki." Misato glared at Ritsuko's subordinate. "Shouldn't you be working?"
Maya frowned. "And what about yourself Operation Director Katsuragi?"
Ritsuko looked at the two and frowned. 'Not now…'
Misato grinned. "Don't be snotty Miss Ibuki. Remember, I am still your superior!" Misato crossed her arms as she looked down on Maya. "Just so you know, I've meet with the commander and he approved of my plan!"
"The plan with an 8.7 percent chance of succeeding?" Maya replied.
After a short pause, Misato gave her retort. "Well, YEAH! It isn't like YOU have a better plan!"
"No I don't." Maya conceded. "But then again, I'm not the Operation Director either Captain!"
Misato narrowed her eyes even further. "At least I'm not ogling the pilot of Unit 01 like some girl who lost her puppy!"
Maya gritted her teeth, but tried to hold. "Excuse me, I'm not YOU! I'm only concerned about his safety as a friend!"
"What? I'm his…" Misato growled. "I'm his guardian remember?"
Ritsuko rolled her eyes. 'The whole world is in danger, and they are arguing over this? They're both freaken school kids!' She coughed to get their attention. "Uh hem! Can we get back to the task at hand?" Ritsuko watched as both Misato and Maya reluctantly gave their attention to Ritsuko, stopping their little feud. "First, Misato did get approval of the plan, and at the moment, it's the only one we have. Second, Maya, go back and get the current status of the Angel."
"Yes ma'am." Maya stood up straight, and trotted off to her post, a little glad to get away from the Captain.
Misato glared at Maya as she left.
"As for you Misato…" Ritsuko watched as Misato returned her attention to her. "I have a few logistical concerns I need to discuss about your plan.
"Of course." Misato followed Ritsuko the cage.
As all this was going on, Rei Ayanami was behind a hallway, staring at the situation. 'What's with those three?' Rei lightly shook her head. 'I think I need to keep an eye on Miss Ibuki and Miss Katsuragi a little closer.'
Commander Ikari's Office"Are you absolutely sure about this Ikari?" Kouzou asked.
"Misato is in command of this operation." Gendo continued to stare ahead of him with his hands in front of his mouth. "I trust her judgment in this matter. Besides, as much as I hate to admit it, I see no other way either."
"I hope you are right." Kouzou replied. "It's all going to be over by midnight. One way or the other."
"Correct." Gendo looked up at the ceiling. 'We still have twelve Angels left. Victory must be ours if my plans are to ever be fully realized.'
The Cage"Like I said, it has the highest chance of success!" Misato beamed at her reasoning. "And we can do it under nine hours!"
"It does? Really?" Ritsuko mocked. "But our positron rifle can't handle such high output. What are you going to do about that?" Ritsuko liked poking holes into Misato's plan.
Misato grinned. 'I thought about that too.' "We'll borrow one."
"Borrow one?" 'That could mean only one thing…' Ritsuko thought. "You don't mean…"
"Yeah! The Strategic Self Defense Force Lab's new prototype!" Misato smiled brightly.
Ritsuko sighed. "Of course you are going to need to get approval for this…"
"Of course." Misato agreed. "And since we need all the time we can get, I'm going to send Miss Ibuki to do just that!"
Ritsuko narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "Miss Ibuki, Misato?"
Misato nodded happily. Misato went up to a communication station and contacted Maya. "Second Lieutenant Ibuki?" Maya's face appears on the screen. Maya glared back at her. "I have a job for you!"
"But I am already working, CAPTAIN!" Maya glared back at her.
"Well too bad. Remember, I am your superior!" Misato grinned.
Maya sighed. 'If I had it my way, you wouldn't be.' "What do you want?"
"Well then…" Misato started. "I have an important assignment for you. I need approval to retrieve the prototype positron cannon from the SSDF lab. You need to immediately go to Commander Ikari's office to get that approval!"
Maya frowned deepened. "Why can't you get it yourself?"
"Oh…" Misato put an arm on her head and pretended to be in despair. "But we need all the time to establish our plan, acquire the other equipment, do all this other stuff… You see! There is just so much I have to do! Every minute counts, and you're closer to Commander's office then I am…"
'Bullshit.' Maya angrily thought. "But you would still need to have the approval in hand Captain before you can get it." Maya did not like this new order one bit.
"Well, I guess that means you'd have to run doesn't it?" Misato smiled. "And remember, it's an ORDER Miss Ibuki!"
"FINE! I'll get your stupid approval!" Maya was full of rage as she stormed out of her seat.
Misato smiled. "Have a nice day!" Misato snickered. "That'll teach that little ingrate to talk back to me!"
Ritsuko felt another headache coming. 'The pharmacy is doing one hell of a business here.'
HallwayMaya's fist was shaking with rage as she headed towards Commander Ikari's office. "I am so going to get back at her!" As she turns the corner heading towards Commander Ikari's office, her anger was replaced with a little fear. Her pace slowed a bit before she knocked on his door. 'I can't believe I have to be the one to get it. And facing the Commander was not high on my to do list today.' She slowly knocked on the door. "Commander Ikari?"
Commander Ikari's OfficeIf he was surprised by the intrusion, he was hiding it. Kouzou showed more surprise then Gendo.
"Come in Second Lieutenant Ibuki." Gendo motioned. Maya cautiously entered. "What is it that you want?" Gendo stared coldly at Maya.
A chill ran through Maya's nerves. "Um…Captain Katsuragi commanded me to acquire the…"
"Hurry up Miss Ibuki." Gendo harshly interrupted. "I do NOT have all day."
"Um…" Maya took a deep breath. "She wanted me to acquire the approval to get the SSDF's prototype positron cannon Sir!" Maya instantly straightened up.
'So, this is how Misato plans to do it.' Kouzou smiled.
Gendo was thinking the same thing. However, about Miss Katsuragi… "And why did she send you and not talk to me herself?"
"Because I was closer to your office Sir!" Maya automatically replied.
'Bullshit.' Gendo thought. 'Probably because of that stupid feud that they have going over Shinji.' Gendo grinned. 'Whatever. As long as Shinji is here to pilot Unit 01, they could do whatever they want.' "Very well, I will get Captain Katsuragi her approval immediately."
"Thank you sir." Maya couldn't wait to get out of this office.
"Since the positron cannon needs to be brought over here, it might be wise to send Rei in to save time." Kouzou replied. "Just for retrieval."
"I concur. It isn't like this should be a problem for her." Gendo agreed.
Later…
The CageMaya was holding her knees. She was panting hard. She felt like she just ran the Boston marathon in under ten minutes. "Why… does… NERV… Head… quarters… have… to… be… so… freaken… big?" After taking a breather, she looked around the cage looking for Misato. 'And where is high and might Captain Katsuragi?' "Captain? Where are you? I have your approval right here!"
The communicator started beeping.
Maya narrowed her eyes and approached it. She pushed the button and picked up the receiver. "Second Lieutenant Miss Ibuki here."
"MAYA!" Misato screamed at her through the receiver. "Where are you?"
"Where am I?" Maya frowned. "I'm in the cage. And where exactly are you? I have your approval right here!"
"I'm in the garage ready to roll out." Misato gives a mischievous grin. "You better get here ASAP!"
"WHAT?" Maya was now extremely pissed off. "But that's all the way on the other side of this complex!"
"Yeah it is isn't it?" Misato pretended to realize this. "Guess that means you has to run!"
"But…but…" Maya listens to the click as Misato hangs up. Maya screams in frustrations. "GrrrrrrrrrrAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
-Meanwhile…
Unit 00Rei Ayanami was sitting in her Eva as she waited for the call to pull out and retrieve the positron cannon from the SSDF. She was wondering what the hold up was, so she started to listen in on a number of communication channels. As she came across the one between Misato and Maya, Rei slightly frowned. 'Humanity's greatest threat is evidently themselves.'
Hikari's ResidenceHikari sighed. She was doing her homework on her laptop. After a few minutes of typing, she slammed her fist on the keyboard in frustration. While all news about the Angel was still blocked out, all she had to do was go to the roof and see the Angel was still hovering over the city, mocking everyone within visual shot of it (I'm assuming that Hikari lives in a high-rise apartment and can see the Angel from where she is at). Though her frustration had to deal with another issue. 'Why can't those two stooges let me into their little circle of friends? I mean yeah, they are not exactly people I would normally hangout with, but still, after the last time…with Shinji…' Hikari looked out the window and thought about Shinji. 'You know, he's doing so much for the city and the world. Maybe I should cook a special meal for him. Especially with all the hard work he's been doing!' That thought gave her a warm feeling inside. She got up and headed into the kitchen. She took out a few onions, carrots, and celery and started chopping them. "I'm sure he's going to enjoy a nice hot meal when I present it to him!"
Nozomi walked into the kitchen looking for some cookies to eat. That's when she overhears Hikari talking about a hot meal and a guy. "Are you cooking that for Touji guy? You know, the boy you always talk about sis?"
Hikari frowned as she was chopping up the veggies. "NO! That ungrateful little prick doesn't deserve any of my cooking!"
This intrigued Nozomi. "Really? If not that Touji guy, then whom are you cooking for?"
"Um…" Hikari smiled. "Well, it's for the pilot of that Eva unit out there!"
"Realllllllyyyyyyy?" Nozomi now stood next to Hikari. "What's his name?"
Hikari smiled brighten a bit. "Shinji Ikari! He's a classmate of mine."
"Hehehe." Nozomi giggled.
Hikari eyed her younger sister. "What's so funny?"
"Hikari has a new crush!" Nozomi beamed.
Hikari's eyes widened. "I do not have a crush on Shinji…"
"You don't?" Nozomi looked at Hikari with innocent eyes. "Then that means he's your boyfriend!"
Hikari's eyes widened even further and started to lightly blush. "He is not my boyfriend!"
"Kodama, Kodama!" Nozomi runs out of the kitchen. "Hikari has a boyfriend! Hikari has a boyfriend! Hikari has a boyfriend!"
"LIES!" Hikari screamed. Her face was now a bright red due to Nozomi's accusations. "I do NOT have a boyfriend!" Hikari then lowered her voice and added one last thing. "Yet." Of course now, Hikari was thinking about what Shinji would be like as her boyfriend. For a while, she always assumed that her first boyfriend would be Touji. But now…wait, why was she even thinking about this? 'STUPID NOZOMI! Putting thoughts into my head like that!' "Hmph!" Hikari returned to her cooking and started sautéing her veggies. That was, until a special report appeared on the television.
Kensuke's Home"Ah man!" Touji threw down the controller in frustration after losing another game of Gran Turismo 4 to Kensuke. "How the heck could you win again?"
Kensuke beamed. He took a sip from his McDonald's soda before he replied. "I'm just that good Touji!"
"I guess that's what happens when you spend all day playing videogames instead of playing outside." Touji sighed.
Kensuke frowned in disappointment at Touji's comments. "I don't spend THAT much time playing videogames!"
Touji looked up at the television and noticed something happening in the picture in picture screen. "Hey, switch back to Channel 2! Something's happening!"
Kensuke looked back and noticed the same thing. He took the controller and returned to broadcast television to watch what was happening.
"We apologize for interrupting our regular programming for this emergency bulletin." The female reporter said in her monotone voice. "From 11:30 PM tonight until tomorrow morning, there will a large-scale power blackout throughout most of Japan. We appreciate your cooperation."
Kensuke rubbed his chin. "So, this must be their plan to defeat the Angel!"
Touji blinked in amazement. "Wait a second, are you saying that they are the one that is going to suck all the energy of Japan? What the heck are they going to use with so much power?"
"That I don't know." Kensuke looked over to his dad's room. His dad right now was at work. This gave Kensuke an idea. "But I think I know someone who does!" He ran to his father's computer and turned it on. "Now, let's see if my father has any info on what they are going to do…"
NERV Headquarters"Did you encounter any problems Rei?" Ritsuko spoke to Rei as she exited Unit 00.
"I encountered no problems." Rei simply replied in her monotone voice.
Ritsuko smiled. "Good." She looked up to the booth where Gendo Ikari was looking down on them.
Rei also stared at the booth and slightly grinned. 'See? Your doll can do a simple task! I know you like that Commander!'
The Booth"There doesn't seem to be any problem with her first mission outside NERV." Kouzou commented.
"That is true." Gendo smiled a bit. "However, I do not believe that we should push our luck. Shinji should be the one to destroy the Angel tonight. Not Rei."
"Agreed." Kouzou then looked at the Evas, and read through Misato's plan of action. "However, given the Angel's ability, we might have to bring out Unit 00 anyways."
"Only as a backup and protection to Unit 01." Gendo added. "But first, Shinji needs to wake up."
-Later…
NERV Control Room – Cage 7Everything was going, mostly on schedule. While they were slightly behind on the energy acquisition, everything else was on schedule for the showdown with the Fourth Angel.
"And how's our defense coming?" Misato yells as she looked to the monitor showing Ritsuko and Maya in the Eighth Storage Facility.
Eighth Storage Facility"Well, using a shield is about all we can do." Ritsuko started. Both Ritsuko and Maya were standing in front of a massive black shield for the Eva.
Maya started to doze off.
Ritsuko noticed this. "Maya?"
Maya instantly stood upright as she looked at the shield. It was obvious that she was still tired from her little 'run' this morning. "I'm awake."
Ritsuko frowned as she hears Misato snickering in the background. "Uh hem." This instantly shut up Misato.
Maya yawned. "So, this is the shield?"
"Yes, it was sort of the single stage trans-orbital rocket. It may look ugly, but it's got an electromagnetic base coating that Section 2 guarantees will stand up to the enemy's partical beam for at least seven seconds!" After she said this, she hears Maya landing on the gangplank with a thud due to exhaustion. Ritsuko slapped her forehead.
NERV Control Room – Cage 7"Hehehe." Misato commented. "Good. And tell your subordinate to wake up!" Misato snickered and turned off the communication when Ritsuko started cursing her. She then turned to Makoto for more information. "Have you determined the sniper position?"
Makoto glanced back at Misato. On one hand, he had a secret crush for Misato. His dreams would be filled with him and her, together. On the other hand, he did not want to get in the middle of the growing feud between Maya and Misato. If he just stayed somewhat invisible, he'll probably not have to worry about that. Unfortunately, that might mean he would never be with Misato. Never mind the fact that he did not have a chance before. But still, Makoto can dream can't he? Now, back to the mission at hand… Makoto smiled and nodded. "Given the location of the target, taking geographical feature and power access into consideration, this would be our best choice."
"Right, looking good." Misato smiled brightly as her plan was now coming together. "Our sniper will attack from the top of Mount Futago! The operation will commence, 00:00 tomorrow morning! From this point on, this operation will be called "Operation Yashima."
"Roger!" Shigeru replied.
Misato was at this point, the image of strength and complete self-control. On the inside though, her feelings were full of turmoil. This plan can only work, with a pilot that was currently in the infirmary. She turned away from the others and stared at the window. 'I hope he wakes up soon. And even if he does…will he pilot it again?'
Ritsuko entered the room. She was examining some last minute details before they proceeded. "All we have to do is wait for our pilots to show up."
Shigeru picked up the phone. As he listened to the diagnosis, he smiled slightly. Things seemed to be looking up now. He replaced the phone and turned to Misato, "Unit 01's designated pilot is conscious now. His examination results look normal."
Misato smiled a bit. That was the bit of news that she was hoping for. Even if he decides not to pilot it, at least she knows that he's okay. "Good. Then the operation will proceed as planned."
"I wonder if he will ever pilot it again?" Ritsuko off-handily remarked. 'If he says no, then that would mean Rei would have to pilot Unit 01. Commander Ikari would not like that.'
Misato seemingly ignored Ritsuko's remarks. Though she herself was worried about the same thing. 'One way or the other, this battle ends tonight.' "Let's get to Mount Futago now!"
Central Hospital – 3rd Surgical Ward
Rei wheeled in his meal. She changed into her school uniform from her plug suit not to long ago. Never mind the fact that she would be going out again very soon. She looked at Shinji and internally grinned. 'So you are awake Third Child. It is time to make me proud again!'
At this point, Shinji woke up and scanned the room. It was another hospital room. It was something the he was quickly becoming familiar with since his stay in Tokyo 3. As he was thinking about this, he notices Rei next to him. "Ayanami…"
Rei gave him her neutral expression before she began. "I'm here to brief you on the Operation Yashima timetable. The operation will begin at 00:00 hours." Rei takes out a book and started reading the list. "Pilot Ikari and Ayanami will arrive at the cage by 17:30. At 18:00, Unit 01 and 00 will activate. At 18:05, both units must be deployed. They will arrive at the temporary base on Mount Futago at 18:30. There, they will await further orders. The operation will begin promptly at midnight."
Shinji listened to everything that Rei said. 'Even after what happened today, they are sending me out again.'
Rei then reaches under the cart and pulls out a new plug suit for Shinji. "This is the new one."
Shinji got up and looked at Rei. The covers drop down to his waist.
Although she was amused at Shinji's current state of dress, she made sure that she did not show any interest. 'One thing at a time Pilot Ikari.' "Don't show up looking like that."
Shinji wasn't sure what she was talking about, until he looked down and noticed his state of dress. "Ah." He grabbed at the covers and tried to hide as much as he can. "Sorry." After a short pause, he sighed. "I've been apologizing since yesterday."
'There's nothing to be sorry for Pilot Ikari.' Rei thought. However, Rei did not openly respond to Shinji.
After not receiving a response from Rei, Shinji's eyes drifted to the food in front of him.
"Your meal." Rei simply said after seeing Shinji look at it for a while.
Shinji stared at his meal for a little longer before turning away. "I don't want to eat anything." The idea that he would have to go out again was still fresh in his mind.
"Very well." Rei said in her monotone voice. "We'll be departing in sixty minutes."
Shinji continued to look depress. "Do I really have to pilot the Eva again?"
'Yes.' Rei refused to take her eyes off Shinji as she decided to use a little reverse psychology on Shinji. "No you do not."
Shinji expected Rei to say yes. He was expecting to respond saying how he hated doing it, and did not look forward to doing it. When she said no, his eyes widened in shock and turned to Rei immediately. "Ayanami?"
"You do not have to pilot Unit 01 since I can pilot Unit 01." Rei watched as Shinji started to shrink a bit after this revelation. "Doctor Akagi is already prepared to rewrite the personal data files." Rei watches as Shinji's eyes soften as guilt started to sink into him. "Remember Pilot Ikari, the choice is always yours. However, every choice you make, there are consequences. If you refuse to pilot Unit 01, then someone else will. Since I am the only other pilot capable of doing so, then it would be me in your place."
Shinji blinked as this new information sinks in.
Rei continued to stare at Shinji before she responded. "I have to be going. Captain Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi are waiting for me." Rei turned around and was about to exit the room when Shinji stopped her.
"Wait!" Shinji yelled back. "About what you said about my father…"
"He's the Commander of NERV." Rei replied without turning back.
"But what you said, about not trust…" Shinji asked.
"Your father is responsible for saving the world." Rei simply replied. "Whether you choose to be a part of that or not, is up to you."
Shinji thought about this for some time. "But, but he abandoned me. I don't want to have anything to do with his name!"
"Then do it for me then." Rei slightly smirked before she exited.
"Wha…what?" Shinji stared wide-eyed at Rei as the door closes behind him. A slight blush formed as the room fills with silence. After staring at the closed door for a while, Shinji contemplates his next move. He looks down at his plug suit. 'I have to do this!'
District 13 Tokyo 3 Junior High School RoofTouji, Kensuke, Hikari, and a number of other boys waited for the Evangelions to show up. They all wanted to cheer on the Evas as they came out. However, at the moment, they seemed to be late.
Touji leaned over the railing on the school's roof. "They're really late. We ought to evacuate to the shelter."
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Hikari huffed. She sat down next to them. She also made sure the box she held was firmly secured. "I agree with Touji. Remember, with the power outages and so forth, the evacuation order is no longer voluntary!"
"Hold on Class Rep!" Kensuke tried to reassure Hikari. "It should only be a few minutes right now. I hacked into my dad's data files. I'm sure this is the time."
Hikari narrowed her eyes and stared at Kensuke. "You hacked into his computer…again?"
"Hey!" Kensuke crossed his arms and definitely looked into the sky. "Have to maintain the free flow of information."
'Before they put a bullet through your head at least.' Hikari sighed. "Whatever."
Touji narrowed his eyes. He was tired of waiting when the danger seemed to be growing by the minute. "Why aren't they here then?" As Touji was saying this, the mountain next to them started to move. They all turned to it. Touji's anger was replaced with anticipation. "The mountain is moving."
Kensuke smiled. "The Evangelions."
While Hikari didn't normally care about watching the Evas walk by, she had to admit, it was pretty cool. "Wow!"
The massive doors opened, as first Unit 00, then Unit 01 exited the mountain.
"Cool!" The small crowded all yelled. "Go for it Evangelions! We believe in you! Beat the Angel!"
The two Evas headed towards the temporary base at Mount Futago.
"Good luck Shinji! And Ayanami." Hikari added that last one with a bit of reservation evident in her voice, something that she probably was not completely aware of doing. Hikari waved at them. "I hope they notice." She turned to the others. "I guess we should be heading to the shelter right now while the power is still on." Hikari turned around and started heading towards the stairs.
"How are they going to stop the Angel?" Touji wondered out loud.
Kensuke was eager to answer that. "They are going to use the SSDF's positron cannon, using Mount Futago as their sniper position. It's one huge, and I do mean HUGE cannon." Kensuke was salivating over the specs of it that he got off his father's computer. "With energy from all of Japan, they plan on taking out that Angel with one hit!"
"Cool." Touji thought about this. "With all that energy, how many chances does Shinji have?"
"Um," Kensuke began. "One time pretty much. Two if you're pushing it."
"So that idiot better get it on the first try or else…" Touji crossed his arms.
Hikari looked at Touji and thought how at that moment, with the sunset behind him, the shadows falling just right, he just looked so dreamy. 'That's why I had this crush on him for so long!' Hikari sighed happily. However, an image of Shinji popped into her head that immediately snapped her back to the current situation and the danger that he was in. Hikari held the box closer to her chest. "Shinji will be alright won't he?"
Kensuke grinned. "Worried about Shinji Class Rep?"
Hikari blushed a bit before she definitely held her head up. "Of course! I am the Class Rep you know! I am concerned about ALL my students! Oh, and PLEASE just call me Hikari! Hmph!"
Touji started smelling the air. He could catch a whiff of something yummy. As he followed the trail, he noticed the box Hikari was holding. "Hey Class R… Hikari? What do you have there?"
Hikari looked down at the box that she was holding. "It's a gift for Shinji when he defeats the Angel!"
Kensuke eyed Hikari suspiciously. "You do know that this mission won't even begin until 3 hours from now right Hikari? And who knows how long it will be before he actually returns."
Hikari waited for a few seconds before she responded. "Um, well…yeah! It, it'll still be good."
Touji eyed the box as his stomach started to growl. "You know, you could always cook him something tomorrow! Mind if I have a bite?"
Hikari eyed Touji with suspicion. "This is for Shinji, Suzahara!"
Touji continued his advances. "But, but it smells so good! I have to say Hikari that you're a pretty good cook."
Hikari narrowed her eyes. "Oh, so NOW you notice!"
"Come on!" Touji pleaded. "Just one bite!"
"NO!" Hikari throws the box at Touji's head, spilling the contents all over Touji.
"Hey!" Touji was cleaning off the food from his face. "Wait a second…" He grabbed a sausage and started eating it. "You ARE a great cook! You know, I wouldn't mind if…"
Hikari's eyes widened as she realized what she just done. "SUZAHARA! Look what you just made me do!" Hikari grabbed Touji and dragged him across the roof. "You're going to pay for that!"
Touji was wide eyed. "Hey Hikari! What… what… but you're were the one that threw it!"
Kensuke shook his head. "There are some things in this world that I will never understand…"
-Later…
Mount Futago Temporary BaseShinji and Rei arrived at the base and listened to their orders. Shinji was to be the sniper given his higher sinc ratio with his unit. Rei was to be the defender. Her sole job was to defend Shinji if the Angel were to attack their position. After Misato and Ritsuko went off the technicality of the situation and their orders, both Rei and Shinji changed into their plug suits and prepared for the showdown with the Angel.
Shinji sat and looked over the calm lake. Everything was quiet at the moment. This moment will end in a few minutes as they prepare for the finally that will bring down this Angel. As he waited for the time to engage, something nagged at him. There was something he always wanted to ask Rei, and now seemed like the best time to do it. "Why do you pilot this?"
'Because that's Rei's destiny.' Rei internally grinned, though she did not allow her face to show it. 'But first, I'll give an answer that Shinji would accept.' "Because I'm bonded to it."
"Bonded?" Shinji was slightly confused with this answer.
"Yes. It's a bond." Rei responded again.
As Shinji thought about this, there was only one thing he could think of that would make him understand this. "You mean, to my father?"
"No." Rei replied quickly.
Shinji was surprised she said no about her father. He knew that her relationship to his father wasn't as strong as he initially believed it to be when he first met her. But still, whatever connection they had, that was why she piloted it at least right?
"To all people." Rei finished.
'To all people.' Shinji repeated in his mind. This seemed to suppress his original shock. 'I guess she's doing this to save everyone. My father included.' "You're very strong, Ayanami."
Rei gave out no change in emotion. "I have nothing else."
Shinji was stunned again. "What do you mean you have 'nothing else'?"
'Actually it is a lie. I have you and my destiny.' Rei internally chuckled. She of course, did not speak this out loud. She wanted Shinji to think about what she said as the deadline drew near. 'I hope you behave exactly the way that I want you to.' "It's time. Let's go. Goodbye." She got up and headed towards her Eva.
Shinji stared at the departing Rei before he entered his Eva.
NERV Type 14 Mobile Command UnitMaya was rubbing her calves. "My calves still hurt from my little run this morning, Captain!"
Misato growled towards Maya. "Bitch about it later! Besides, I think a little exercise could go a long way."
Maya growled back at her.
The female technician sitting next to Makoto looked back at the two. 'And this is supposed to be a well disciplined military organization?' The female's eyes widened as she hears the beep from the countdown, indication that it was now time. "The Time is now 00:00." The female technician calmly put forward.
"Commencing operation." Makoto yelled back to Misato.
'And it has begun.' Misato thinks. She turns her attention to Shinji. "Shinji, we're entrusting you with all the energy of Japan. I'm counting on you."
"Understand." Shinji replies inside his Eva.
"Initiate primary connection." Misato ordered.
"Initiating power transmission from District number 1 through 803." Makoto sounded.
"Voltage is rising. Water exchange unit reaching pressure zone." The female technician yelled.
Inside Unit 01Shinji listened into all the commotion that was happening. Everything was getting ready for this moment. While it did not give him much time to think, he was still concerned about what Rei said. 'What do mean you have nothing else? That's just not true. That's…' Suddenly, he hears the order that he was waiting for.
"Pull sear up!" Makoto ordered.
Shinji nodded and does just that. He cocks the positron cannon like a normal rifle. He waits for his chance to fire.
Inside Unit 00Rei's unit was behind Unit 01. If the Angel became a threat, she would instantly block whatever attack might be put forth from it. 'Nothing will stand in our way Pilot Ikari!'
NERV Headquaters Command CenterGendo Ikari and Kozou Fuyutsuki were in their normal position there. They stared at the view screen and waited for the action to commence.
NERV Type 14 Mobile Command Unit"Error correction for Earth rotation and gravity as 0.0009. Voltage is 0.2 short of critical." Shigeru gave out.
"Seventh and tenth connections engaged. Transmitting all energy to the positron rifle!" Makoto followed. Everything seemed to be going according to plan. He began the count down. "8…, 7…, 6…"
Maya watched in horror as new data pours into her computer screen. "High energy output detected inside the target!"
Makoto continued the countdown. "5…, 4…, 3…"
"It can't be!" Ritsuko did not want to hear what Maya said. 'It means the Angel is about the attack!'
"2…, 1!" Makoto finishes the countdown.
"Fire!" Misato yells her order to Shinji.
Shinji hesitates for a second, and then makes Unit 01 pull the trigger.
However, it was at the same time as the Angel's beam attack. The simultaneous attacks caused their beams to bend and fall meters away from each other.
The base was shaking. Windows where shattering all around them. Ritsuko and the others were being thrown around inside the little mobile command unit.
Once the shaking slowed, Misato got up to her feet and looked over the shoulder of Makoto and the female technician. "Did we miss?"
As the image became clear, the Angel was still in tact.
Alarms started sounding. "The enemy drill has broken into the GeoFront!" Shigeru yelled back.
'Damn it!' "Hurry! Line up a second shot!" Misato ordered. 'Hurry!'
"Replacing fuses! Initiating recharge!" Makoto screamed.
"Barrel cooling in progress!" Ritsuko followed.
"We've got another high energy reading inside the target!" Maya frantic voice followed.
"No, not now!" Misato waited for the Angel to retaliate.
Except it never came.
Unit 00A spark seemed to go across Rei's eye. 'Something wrong Ramiel?' A small smile appeared on Rei's face.
NERV Command Center"The Angel..it just…stopped?" Shigeru said in complete surprise.
'Something's not right.' Gendo thought. "Why did the Angel stop?"
"I…" Shigeru was trying to understand this. The drill should be continuing down towards NERV Headquarters. Instead, it just…stopped. "I have no clue sir."
Kouzou also did not like this. While he was glad that the threat seemed to have been, delayed a bit, this was also completely unexpected. "You do not think…"
"It is possible." Gendo conceded. "And that means the time table must be moved up then."
NERV Type 14 Mobile Command UnitMisato and Ritsuko's mouths were completely wide open.
Misato was the first to snap out of her shock and respond. "Wha…what's it doing?"
Maya was completely confused with the data that was in front of her. According to expectation, the Angel's energy readings should've increased until it fired again. Instead, the energy readings seem to be, fluctuating? "It's…it's like it doesn't know what to do!"
"10 more seconds." Makoto calmly spoke given that the urgency seemed to have disappeared at the moment.
Unit 01Shinji was also completely stunned. While he readied the cannon to fire again, he was also surprised that the Angel did not fire. 'What's going on?' Suddenly, he notices movement next to him. "Ayanami?"
Unit 00Unit 00 stepped out in front of Unit 01. It seemed to positioning itself for an attack that should have already came. Rei laughed on the inside. 'So Ramiel, you finally realized that your target is not there? That Adam has yet to arrive? That all you will find there is an empty shell? Maybe you should attack anyways in your futility.' A smirk threatened to appear on Rei's face. 'Come on! What are you waiting for?'
NERV Type 14 Mobile Command Unit"Rei, she's…" Misato continued to stare wide eyed at the situation. Everything was going there way, but at the same time, it was all wrong too. "Ritsuko?"
"I…I guess…" Ritsuko wasn't able to finish her thought.
"The Angel's drill has started again!" Shigeru yelled his update.
"The energy readings are rising again!" Maya proclaimed. "It's finally retaliating!"
"The positron cannon is ready to fire!" Makoto yelled.
Unit 01Shinji covered his eyes as the Angel's beam came straight towards him. However, instead of hitting him, it hit the target in front of him. "Ayanami!"
Unit 00 was standing in front of his unit with the shield in front of her. The shield started to melt.
"Now Shinji!" Misato yelled through the communicator.
Shinji nodded and fired the positron cannon. The recoil jolted the Eva back a bit. The beam made waves on the lakes surface as it heads towards the Angel. Without the Angel's beam deflecting it, the positron cannon beam smashes the angel and goes straight through it. The Angel crashed to the surface with a massive thud.
NERV Type 14 Mobile Command Unit"We did it!" Misato cheered.
The entire command unit cheered with the success of the mission.
Still, it bothered Ritsuko. "What does this all mean? Why did it hesitate?"
NERV Command CenterEveryone inside was cheering the defeat of the Angel. Everyone that is, except Gendo Ikari and Kouzou Fuyutsuki.
"This means that Adam will arrive a lot earlier then Seele expects it to." Kouzou commented.
"Yes." Gendo replied. He continued to look at the view screen and the fallen Angel. "But then again, we never expected to follow the prophecy to the letter now do we?"
Kouzou shook his head. "No we did not. However, I had expected that we would be the one to know the timetable beforehand."
"That is true." Gendo frowned at this new prospect. "Things are going to be quite interesting from now on."
Mount FutagoUnit 00 dropped its mostly melted shield to the ground. It dropped to its knees, ejected its plug, and Rei Ayanami exited it. 'Things are changing Commander Ikari.'
Shinji moved Unit 01 next to it. It too, dropped to its knees, and ejected its plug. Shinji exited his plug, and ran towards Rei. "Ayanami!"
Rei continued to watch the Angel's smoking corpse in the distance. 'The rules of the game have changed.'
Shinji ran up Unit 00 and hugged Rei. "Ayanami! We did it! We destroyed the Angel!"
Rei enjoyed the embrace, but only let out a slight blush to the feeling. "Yes Ikari, we have."
Shinji's eyes started to water. "And please, do not say that you have nothing Ayanami!"
Rei cocked her head and stared at Shinji. "What do you mean?"
Tears dropped from Shinji's eyes. "It's just that, it's not true! You do have something else Ayanami! And, and please don't say goodbye before a mission. It's just too sad!"
"As you wish Ikari." Rei replied in her monotone voice. Internally, she was beaming. 'You're doing everything the way I expected Shinji!'
Shinji gave a huge smile. "Ayanami…" At that moment, he realized that he never saw her smile. "Ayanami, could you please smile? I, I would really like to see you smile!"
Rei cocked her head at Shinji and appeared to be confused. "Smile?"
"Yes! Smile!" Shinji urged Rei on. "For me. Please?"
Rei was laughing on the inside. 'Yes Shinji. I will do it just for you.' Rei gave a faint smile.
It was probably the most beautiful thing Shinji has ever seen.
NERV Type 14 Mobile Command UnitMisato, Maya, and Ritsuko all stared at the screen that showed Shinji and Rei together.
Ritsuko was a little happy. Although she knew that Rei was just a clone. 'I'd hate to break Shinji's heart if it ever came to that.' Then again, something was bothering her about this particular Rei. And somehow, she did not want Shinji to be taken in by this one. She brushed off that thought for the time being. 'I'm probably thinking too deeply into this. Probably with all the stress that I've been building up…' She glared at the Misato and Maya. 'And I can guess the root cause of it!'
Maya looked at the scene in front of her. It gave her a faint smile. For whatever reason though, she did not completely like it. 'I should be happy about Shinji and Rei being friends and all. Shinji trying to adjust to his new home, Rei…' That's when Maya remembered the scene in front of the infirmary. Maya's smile completely disappeared. 'Something about her gives me the chills.'
Misato also frowned. Normally, this would give her more reason to tease Shinji. Shinji and Rei. However, that idea almost disgusted her more then Shinji and Maya. Almost. Maybe it was that time when they tried giving her the security card. Rei seemed to completely not care about her modesty. She also gave off something else that did not sit well with Misato. Maybe it was her motherly instincts taking over, wanting to protect Shinji from Rei. 'Funny. I never thought Rei was the slutty type before. But after that fiasco back then…' Anyways, she needs to keep an eye out and Rei.
Mount Futago"Achoo." Rei softly sneezed. 'That's odd. I almost never sneezed."
End of Chapter 6Woohoo! I finished Chapter 6! And I am pretty happy about it! Things are definitely changing, for the better I believe.
Oh yeah, and despite being longer then my last update (for my "Two Birds…Part 2" story), this chapter was actually easier to write. I wrote 29 pages worth in under three days. The other update? It took me literally weeks before I could finish it. Great when the words just flowed out.
For Asuka fans, as you can see, I'm following the episodes quite a bit. Which means, two more chapters before her arrival! Yeah!
Also, there are a few things that kind of irked me about the episode. Number 1, why weren't the civilians evacuated to the shelters. True, if you are far away enough, which I assumed was the reason, maybe that's why they didn't evacuate them. However, given that by the end of the episode, they pretty much made it so that they all went to the shelter anyways, why not before when the Angel might have actually been a threat when it was moving?
Number 2, why did Rei and Shinji change so often? I mean sure, the plug suit isn't exactly a fashion statement, and I'm sure it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but come on! They couldn't wear them for a full three hours at the end? Earlier with Rei, I can maybe see why she would change back to her normal clothes for a while, but at the end? Sighs.
Next Chapter…well, like the episode, Ritsuko and Misato have to go to a conference and field test since someone else built an Eva. Except this time, Misato isn't going! What could this mean? And will the absence of Misato change the course of Evangelion? And does this mean a new character (not seen in the actual series) appears? Until then…later!
