I don't own anything. Every thing is the property of it's respected owners.
A Fury'sPassage To Death
Chapter 1
It started as a Wednesday. Halfway through the week, halfway done with the week. Thats how one Shinji Ikari always viewed Wednesdays. Nothing ever exciting happened on these days. There would be no sync test or anything Nerv affiliated on this day of the week, and Asuka always went to Hikari's house on Wednesdays. All Shinji had to look forward to after school was a quiet day at home. Perhaps that is why he enjoyed this day so much.
He sat at the table playing with is food, not really hungry, just waiting for his two roommates to finish so he can clean up for them. Misato, the purple haired women who took Shinji in her home to take care of. As time went by, Shinji realized that he took more care of her then she did of him, but he enjoyed her company. She always knew how to help him through his emotional and social problems. Shinji viewed her as his mother, even calling her that at times when she was not in ear shot, but he would never admit that to her. He was still to shy. He stared at her after her attention demanding yell after her first beer. She ate all the food granted to her this morning, in a rather slobbish manner. Shinji always wondered how she survived before he came into her life. He slowly stabbed his half eaten amulet and turned his head to the other occupant of the room.
Asuka Langely Souryu ate the meal very delicately like a trained rich snob, which Shinji had to admit that she acted like on a regular bases. While the beautiful redhead had made it clear that Shinji was the scum of the earth, Shinji had always been attracted to her. She so much smarter and better looking then him that he never believed he had a chance. Since she came Shinji has learned everything he could about her, but she didn't know a thing about him. But knowing her for such a long time he could tell that under her good table manners her anger was rising, and also because he has known her for so long, he could not tell if her anger was directed at him to at Misato.
He had been ready for school for the past hour, but was forced to wait for Asuka, who demanded that he walk with her to school every morning. 'Maybe thats a sign that she doesn't hate me'
Shinji thought to himself, but he learned never to question Asuka or he would be in a lot of pain.
"What are you staring at third?" Asuka said with a "hint" of anger in her voice. Shinji broke out of his daze, shook his head in a submissive manner, and returned to playing with his food. Asuka glared at him with a negative stare. Misato let out a small excretion exulting in a giggle coming from her. This lead to a sign from both of the children.
A sweet sounding ring came from the doorbell. The three bodies looked at each other and Shinji finally got up and opened the door. Standing at the door was Kensuke and Touji. Shinji baffled by them being at his house in the morning asked them. "We come to take you to school." was Kensuke's reply. Shinji's eyes spewed signs of bewilderment. Ever since Asuka came, they never picked him up, always afraid of the girls temper, which is excessively short with those two.
"Okay" was Shinji's reply, still showing his surprise. Touji who then walk right through the door and got in Shinji's face. "Come on man, we came to pick you up from the red devil today." Kensuke suppressed a slight giggle while a crash was heard from the kitchen.
"I heard that!" Asuka screamed at the top of her lungs, "besides you all have to wait for me." Asuka threw her food in the trash along with the plate and rushed to the door. Kensuke who had been smiling all morning got in front of her. "Sorry demon, but there is not enough room in my car."
Touji grabbed Shinji and the three boys ran down the stares. Asuka enraged that she lost, but more surprised that Kensuke got a car.
"Here Asuka, I'll take you to school" Misato told her, "just let me put a blouse on then we'll leave." Misato left to get changed while Asuka waited.
The bridge crew sat together as usual rambling on about meaningless conversations. Its been that way for a while. Since the death of Kowaru, three years ago, all the jobs at Nerv have not been as nerve racking as once. All that the bridge crew really had to do was make sure the Magi was running properly, but even id it was not, they would have to get Dr. Akagi to fix the problem. Not that the laid back aditude was not welcome. Far from it. Maya, Aoba, and Shigeru really enjoyed the times of peace. But through all the calmness, everyone could feel the sense that they were waiting for something.
Aoba and Shigeru were sitting discussing all the women at Nerv that they would want to date even though nether one of them could get the guts to ask a female out. Their conversation continued until a very tired and depressed Maya came in.
"Whats up Maya?" Shigeru asked. Maya opened her eyes and stared at him. She then turned her head and began tyeing her computer terminal. While the two waited in silence, Aoba was about to speak up when she finally answered.
"Doctor Akagi and I just finished running test all night on the corpse of the fifth child." this brought a surprise to the two men of the room. "We concluded that the mattered used to make up the fifth child was that of the second angel, Lilith. So in all retrospect, the fifth child was Lilith." the two men looked at her with faces of confusion.
"So what does that mean?" again Shigeru was the one to ask.
"What it means is," she started, "Kowaru was not the seventeenth angel." But under her breath, for the boys not to here she said, "He was just like Rei."
"What a piece of junk!" Asuka yelled at the top of her lungs. Asuka having decided to wait for Misato in the parking lot was away at bashing on Kensukes new car. Maybe new was the wrong word. "You actually payed hard earned money for this piece of junk. Are you even sure it runs."
"Of course it runs! I picked up Touji and drove over here to pick up Shinji." Kensuke came back at her. The two then started fighting. Shinji and Touji were completely stunned at this turn of events. For one Kensuke has never stood up for himself in his whole life, and to stand up to Asuka was definitely a big change for him. But Kensuke did spend his hard earned money on buying the car and then Asuka just comes and trash talks it. Yeah Shinji thought, I would be furious too.
But Asuka even had a point. The car was a piece of trash. Not to mention old. Shinji had never seen a car like it, but he could easily tell the car was American made and probably from the fifties or sixties. It had four round headlights with a monstrous grill. The car was very long, and had two gigantic fins coming out the back of the car. The orange paint which even Touji could tell used to be a shade of red covered only half of the car, the rest was covered with rust. The car at one point had to have been beautiful, but now it didn't look savable.
"So where did you find it, in the garbage can?" Asuka said with an almost controllable laughter. Asuka then came up to the car and started tapping one the fender.
"Stop that right now Asuka." Kensuke threatened her.
"Or what?" was Asuka's reply. She then hit the fender hard with her book bag. As the bag swung Kensuke lept out screaming at the top of his lungs. Asuka leaned back and prepared to strike again. He then proceeded to grab the bag before it hit his car a second time. "Don't!" he chocked. Asuka then looked at his eyes. Her expression changed after seeing something that she had never seen before in the boy. "Do not hit her again." the look on his face caused an unknown fear to rise in Asuka. She then stepped back, her body now limp. Shinji and Touji both were on the brink of losing balance. Did Kensuke Just win or did some higher being defeat Asuka for him. Both Touji and Shinji's thoughts were along these lines. None the less there was something wrong with Kensuke just then.
Just then Misato came down, heading in the kids direction. Asuka, in an attempt to regain control asked what stupid name Kensuke had given the car. "Christine." he replied, his advance toward her caused her to move further away from the car.
"Of course only you idiots would give a name to a car." Asuka now having regained her composure. Misato eyes almost fell out of her head when she looked at the car. "Well it sure is a classic Kensuke. Mind if I ask what it is?"
"It is a 1958 Plymouth Fury. I had it delivered all the way here from the states and it just came in yesterday."
"Do you plan to fix it up?"
"I plan on doing what I can to it." Kensuke replied. A blush started forming as a realized that Misato was talking directly to him.
"Well have fun with it." she then turned to Asuka signaling for her to get in the car. The two girls strapped down in Misatos Alpine. "Oh and Shinji." Shinji looked up from his seat in Kensuke's, "I have some business to take care of today, and will need your help, so I bet you don't mind me taking you out of school a little bit early today."
"No, not at all." was his reply. "Okay then good." Misato added then left.
The three boys strapped themselves into the seats. Touji and Shinji both patiently waited for what seemed to be hours for Kensuke to finally start the car. Christine as Kensuke calls it came to life with a bad putt sound. She had a very hard time getting to the school, not to mention the fact the Kensuke did not know how to drive the car safely, or well. Every part of this car needed to be replaced were Shinji's thoughts. The floor boards did not look good, the windshield was cracked along with all the other glass in the car, the interior was shot, all the metal looked irreparable, the engine seemed to be firing on only one or two of the eight cylinders it possessed,and to top it off it smelt bad. Real bad. This was not old car smell, but something different. But yet the smell seemed so similar to Shinji. He tried but could not place were he had smelt that smell before.
The ride was rather quiet. None of the guys saying a word to each other. The only sounds being the occasional back fire from the exhaust, which seemed to exit out under the car then through the exhaust pipe. Maybe Asuka was right about this car. It is a piece of junk. I mean Kensuke... Shinji's train of thought was derailed as he heard the sound of old music. "Kensuke, what are we listening too?" Touji asked with an obvious dislike for the music.
"Don't know, but it is the only station that the radio will pick up. I think it is oldies from the fifties or sometime close to that." Kensuke responded. For the rest of the trip Touji made it clear that he did not like the music, Shinji who found the tunes to his liking enjoyed the ride, except for the smell. Kensuke just seemed to be in his own little paradise. A familiar voice that Shinji could not place seemed to go through his head. "Do you want to become one with me?"
Getting to school, the boys headed for their desk. Kensuke still in his dream like phase repelled the other two from talking to him. Touji went to his girlfriend and talked with her, leaving Shinji by himself. Usually he and Asuka would be arguing about anything that comes from space, at this time. He scanned the room for her, only to find her sitting on the desk Buddy, the school jock. He did not know Buddy's real name, but everyone, even the teacher called him Buddy. He was also the coolest guy in school, head of the winning soccer team, and had all the girl at his will. Transferred in last year, he quickly made enemies with his wild attitude and constant "bully control" over the whole school. He was crude, mean, disrespectful, and the enemy of Shinji Ikari. The boy could snap Shinji like a twig and kick his body in for a score. Not to mention that he had his eye on Asuka for a while now.
Whatching Asuka, she seemed to be in a daze much like Kensuke's. But she was lost in the eye's of Buddy, not the headlights of a Plymouth. Seeing this caused jealousy in Shinji. He had always been nice to the girl and she turns him down at every chance.
"Sorry Shinji." Shinji turned around and looked into the eyes of Hikari. "Sorry, I didn't tell you sooner."
"So how long have they been doing this?" he asked the girl. Hikari sat down.
"Asuka has been calling me for the past few days, and telling me of all they do together. All their conversations on the phone and all they have done on their dates together. "The word "dates" caught Shinji's attention. "I'm sorry. I always thought that Asuka liked you."
The class bell rang, and school started with the introduction of a new student. Her name was Leigh, she had long black hair, with green eyes. She was beautiful nonetheless, but lacked that exotic factor that Asuka possessed. He knew right away the two girls would get along. She was seated in the seat next to Kensuke and remained quiet the rest of the time. The teacher then ram belled on about the usual lessons. Touji sat, asleep, yet looking awake. Kensuke still in his daydream would occasionally look at Leigh, Asuka and Buddy where constantly telling the other that they loved each other. Then there was Shinji. Never before had he felt like this. Was this what it was to be heart broken? He looked at Rei who just stared out the window the entire time. At times he wished he could get in her head and see what she was thinking.
"Mr. Aida!" the teacher yelled across the room. No answer coming he repeated himself.
"Yes" came the reply.
"Mr. Aida, have you been paying attention?"
"Not at all." Kensuke's answer caused a stall in the class. He was emideatly removed from the room.
Lunch came and Asuka ran off with Buddy. Shinji then sat with both Hikari and Touji to Hikari's invite. She attempted to invite the new girl,but she could not be found. The three friends sat altogether not really talking much. The topic of Kensuke came up, but no one could come up with an answer to his behavior recently. First he scares Asuka and then he back talks the teacher. The topic of Asuka remained unmasked. Needless to say the lunch went on quietly.
The bell rang signaling the end of lunch. On the way back to the class room Shinji caught a glimpse of both Buddy and Asuka making out. His heart sank even lower. He did not pay any attention or attempt to look like he was. It wasn't long after, that Misato came and picked him up.
"Shinji whats wrong? You look real bad." Misato's motherly figure kicking in.
"It's nothing Misato. I just got my hopes up." Misato kept a worried look in her eyes. Knowing Shinji he did not care about much, so right away she knew what the problem was. "Is it Asuka?" she asked him.
"I said it was nothing," was Shinji's reply.
"So it is Asuka." she turned back to the road. It was silent for a while. Misato certain that Shinji would not continue this conversation went on."So..."
"Asuka got a boyfriend. And they are heavy in Love." He emphasized "love" with an irritant gesture.
"Sorry Shinji, but just give her time and she will eventually realize who was always there for her." He looked at her as if he were to continue, but choose not to.
"So Misato, where are we going?"
Misato back to her bubbly self, "Oh that is my little secret." Turning out of the school parking lot she caught a glimpse of Kensuke's car. "Hey Shinji, didn't Kensuke's car have a cracked windshield this morning?" Shinji looked at the car. Puzzled she was right, he too thought the windshield was cracked in the morning, but now the glass looked brand new.
"I guess not"
"What you think of his car?"
"It's like Asuka says, it is a piece of junk. But as long as Kensuke is happy with it then I am. M It sure does stink though." Misato giggled at that comment.
"Okay Shinji I am going to give you the good news first." His gaze returned to her. "Work is about to pick back up again, and I will not be able to take you and Asuka everywhere, so since you are the one out of you two who has a license, I am giving you this car." Shinji looked surprised for the multiple time today.
"You serious? The Alpine?"
"Yea, we are going to pick up my new car, so in a little bit this car will be your car."
Shinji smiled at her. The first god thing to happen today. " Thanks Misato" She waved it off.
"Now for the bad news. There is still one more angel, but that is all we know at this point." this did not strike Shinji. He had been on stand by for so long he kind of had a feeling. "It could be a while for it to show up so don't worry about it. Okay."
"Yes Misato." His reply was a little on the unenthusiastic side. "Do I have to share the car with Asuka?"
"Well Asuka does not have a license. Unlike the Japanese branch, the Germany branch of Nerv never required her to get a license. In all sense the car is yours, but be nice and give her a ride if she needs one." Shinji felt the car slow down. He glanced as Misato drove off of an exit ramp and strait into a police impound lot. Sitting out front was a car Shinji knew, but even more familiar to Misato. The red Sunbeam Tiger sat in the front, looking as if it had not ran for a few years. Which both of the occupants of the Alpine knew the car, which until recently belonged to one Kaji has not ran since his death.
"Misato, you sure about taking Kaji's old car. Aren't you afraid of it reminding you of him?"
"I can never forget about Kaji. I think about him all the time through out the day. Bedside's he had that car while we were still in college. All that car has is good memories for me." Misato smiled at her comment. She handed Shinji the keys, winked at him, turned and headed into the impound building. Shinji shifted into the driver seat of the Alpine. At first he did not know what to think. He never cared about car to much. But Misato did so he knew the should be a good car, but the way she drives made him decide to take it to some one for mantainence.
Misato returned, and walked to the Alpine. "Take care of her Shinji." Shinji nodded. "Do you mind picking up Asuka when she calls? I have to go to Nerv and talk with Ritsuko." Shinji shook his head, gaze remaining straight ahead. Misato asknowledged Shinji's hands clench when Asuka was mentioned. "Hey don't think about Asuka. One day she will realize how nice you are to her and she will come running into your arms. She is just in a faze right now were she has to be with the most popular guy at school, so don't hold against her." she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be home around dinner tonight so save some for me." Misato finished her last statement with a playful smile, then preceded to Kaji's car and speed off. Shinji remained still before finally heading home.
At the Katseragi home Shinji sat. Not really watching TV he was more in a daze of boredom. Almost not thinking, in under bliss. With Pen-pen to his side, he sat enjoying his time of peace. Bringing him out of his state of mind was the ringing of his cellular phone. He looked at the older phone. A design from before second impact, yet still works like a charm. But with the age of the phone, he could not tell who the caller was.
Picking it up expecting Asuka to call Misato for pickup he was surprised that it was Touji. Small talk initiated. Both really enjoyed the talk on the phone, which was not common being that nether of the boys really talked on the phone. Well Touji was on constantly with Hikari.
"Shinji, what do you think of Kensuke's new car?"
"It smells bad, and I agree with Asuka, the car is a piece. I would be surprised if he could even find parts for the car." Shinji finally being honest with Touji about the car. Before always afraid that Kensuke might be listening.
"I don't like the car. At first I thought it was cool. Really old cars me likes, and the smell did not bother me, but just something seemed off in the car. Something that I can not explain." Shinji was struck back by Touji's statement. Now that he thought about it, something was wrong with the car. But also something was familiar about the car. "And the way Kensuke was acting class was weird. Something is up with him."
"Well he is working on it. Not long after school today he put a new bumper on the car. Have no idea where he got it, and how he put it up so fast. I don't know, maybe he is a wizard with these kinds of things."
"Hey, were was he at lunch?"
"While you were watching Asuka and lover boy making out, I saw him with that new girl. Leigh I think." He paused and let out a slight chuckle. "He finally got up the nerve to talk to a girl."
"He has been acting weird lately. You saw the scare he put in Asuka this morning." After an acknowledgment from the other line, Shinji decided to change the topic. "So why did you call?"
"Hikari invited me over tonight for dinner, and while she is cooking, I am talking to you."
"Asuka is not there?" He asked with little enthusiasm.
"No, sorry man." Touji learned long ago, that Shinji will always like Asuka, and he learned for Shinji to stay his friend he had to support Shinji in what ever way possible. This included Shinji's relationship with Asuka. "Hey can I walk to school with you tomorrow. I don't want to ride in Kensuke's car again."
"Actually, I'll pick you up. Misato gave me her car. You have to deal with Asuka, but it will be okay."
"Man, Asuka, oh well, it's better. Well I'll see you at school tomorrow, it's time to eat." Touji hung the phone and so did Shinji. Unable to return to his boredom daze he opted to watch the reruns with Pen-pen.
Hours pasted until finally the red head of his dream walked in.
"Where have you been?" he asked her.
"Out and around." She looked around in a seem of confusion, until realizing that only Shinji was there. "Where's Misato, I need to talk to her."
"She's not here."
"Well then why is her car here?"
"It's not. She gave the car to me." Shinji shielded his ear's from the immense rage filled tantrum about to erupt.
"WHAT? She gave you a car and not me. I can't believe this. It's not fair."
"I do have a license and you do not. Besides you can always get a ride with Buddy if you wanted too."
Asuka smirked, "So you finally noticed. Well anyway his GTR is much better then YOUR blue turd. And especially better then that piece of crap that your friend drives. He got me here in half the time it takes Misato." No response was given. Shinji just stared at the screen, unsure of what to do, unsure of how he felt right then. Asuka looked at him with an evil smile. She broke the silence. "You don't like me being with Buddy do you." Pause, "I can see it in your eyes."
He stayed quiet, not sure of what his face was giving away. But knowing it gave away o much. Asuka sighed and walked to her room. "Don't talk to me until Misato comes home." With that she slammed the door shut.
Shinji about to cry, walked to his room. Not in the mood to make dinner, he decided everyone would have to fend for themselves. He lay on his bed looking up at the ceiling. For the longest time it seemed
"Just another Wednesday."
