TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 04
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final 2 movies / episodes and Toji never lost his limbs during this activation.
Thanks to PhilG for proof reading.
Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile.
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thoughts
-...- = Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean...)
***
"Hey Aya!"
"What the hell do you want George? Shut the door, the rain is coming."
"Listen Aya..."
"What did I say? Close the door you drunk!"
"Aya, you better come have a look at this..."
"What's so important?"
The middle age woman from behind the bar made her way around to George, who was still holding the front door open. George he pointed to the collapsed form of a young boy on the bar front steps. He was soaked through from the rain and shivered whenever the cold wind blew against him.
"Give me a hand, George"
"Look Aya, I just came here for a night cap and..."
"Shut and give me a hand. I'll shout you a drink after."
***
"TOJI! Over here, man" Kensuke shouted from across the station platform.
"Hey Ken! Long time no see!" Toji replied as he made his way towards his friend.
"Yeah. How long has it been? A month since we last saw each other?" Kensuke commented as he picked up his luggage from the carriage storage bay.
"I think so. It sucked that they didn't have enough spots at your new school so I could join you guys. Did you hear from Shinji at all?"
"Yeah I know... Tough break about that. Shinji? Nah man. I emailed him a few times but I never got a response. What about you?"
"Same here. I guess he must have been busy with top secret Nerv stuff."
"TOJI! Hurry up! This bag is getting heavy!" Kimi exclaimed as she dragged a large suitcase along the floor of the train station.
"Yeah ok!" Toji shouted back at his sister. "Listen man, we'll hook up later. I got to help dad and sis settle in. Maybe we can drop by Misato's place and visit Shinji after."
"Yeah... Misato..." Kensuke drooled as images of the lavender Major occupied his mind.
***
Tokyo3 had also resumed to normal city life. Public transport was functional again. The business districts had reopened as well as schools. The majority of the damage caused by the Angels had been corrected and families were returning to their homes. Life on the surface was well but underneath Tokyo3, in the Geo Front and Nerv things were not proceeding as well.
"Bloody machine!" Misato complained as she slammed her fist into the keyboard of the computer. "You would think a billion dollar secret organisation could afford equipment that will work!"
"You know if you keep that up, it will only cause more paper work for myself" Yui commented from Misato's doorway. "May be I can help." Yui stated as she walked over to Misato and her terminal. Yui taped a few keys into machine and her system was back on line.
"Smart arse..." Misato muttered just loud enough for Yui to hear.
"No problems, Major."
"So... are you settled in at work and home yet?"
"Home is going well. The contractors have completed the renovations to the apartment. It's actually starting to look like a suitable home instead of the place that Gendo forced her to live in." Yui replied as she leaned on the edge of the desk.
"What about work?"
"You mean being the new Vice Commander? It's not as easy as it looks. When I was head scientist things were much easier... less politics..."
"Yeah I can imagine..."
"How's Asuka? Is she making any progress?"
"Her rehabilitation is coming along well, in fact ahead of schedule. I guess you could put it down to her stubbornness..." Misato replied, taking a sip of her coffee.
"...But something is wrong..."
"...I think that she really misses Shinji. It's strange; when he was around she would always pick and tease him. I sometimes come home and find that she has been crying. A couple of times I have found her asleep in Shinji's bed."
There was silence after Misato mention Shinji. It had been over a month since Shinji went missing and Section Two was no closer to finding him. It seemed whenever they would get a break though it would lead to a dead end and each time this happen it ate away at their hope that Shinji would return.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean..." Misato said quickly, knowing that she had touched a soft spot for the both of them.
"It's ok Misato..." Yui replied as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
***
[It still smells like him...] Asuka thought as pulled Shinji's bed sheets up to her chin [He didn't take many thing... I guess he plans on coming back...] She thought as she looked around his room, his cello sat in the corner against his desk, school papers still littered it. His closet was ajar and school uniforms could be seen hanging on their hooks [I know he well come back...] Asuka thought as a single tear fell onto Shinji's pillow.
"I wonder what Shin-man has been up to? I hope big red didn't do him in..." Toji remarked as he and Kensuke waited for the elevator to reach Misato's floor.
"Don't worry about Shinji, he's an Eva pilot... I'm more concerned about Misato." Kensuke replied suggestively.
"Yeah... I guess you're right."
As Kensuke thoughts involved Misato in certain situations where clothing was not essential, Toji was more concerned about Shinji. He knew first hand what it was like to pilot the Evangelions and Shinji's dislike to pilot them. He felt sorry for him and as well as admiration. Shinji was a normal fourteen-year-old teenager just like himself who had the whole world ahead of him. [He should have been chasing girls and enjoying life... instead his bastard father made him pilot...]
"Hey Toji, we're here. Wake up"
"Sorry man" Toji replied shaking his head and ringing the doorbell.
"May be we should have brought something for Misato..." Kensuke thought out loud as they waited for someone to answer. The sound of someone unlocking the door brought Kensuke back to attention but it was not who he wanted to see.
"What do you stooges want?" Asuka asked trying to sound like her usually self.
"Nice to see you too Devil girl. Is Shinji home?" Toji replied casually [She looks like she has been crying...]
"Yeah, why don't you be a good little backup pilot and get Shinji for us." Kensuke teased.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?" Asuka exclaimed back. "Look here, you dip shit, I'm not backup pilot. I'm better than Rei and Shin..." She stopped mid sentence as Kensuke ducked behind Toji, trying hide from Asuka triad.
"Can you just get Shinji, Red? We're in no mood for a argument right now." Toji replied as he tried to get Kensuke off his back.
"Shinji... Shinji is..." Asuka was struggling to give a plausible explanation to Toji. "He's not here right now..."
"Can you tell us where he is?"
Asuka couldn't look Toji or Kensuke in the eye when he asked again. She dropped her head letting her red fringe cover most of her face. Asuka's reaction to Toji's question worried him.
"Is he alright?" he asked as Asuka tried to hide the tears forming.
"Suzihara? Aide? What are you doing here?"
Toji and Kensuke turned around to find that it was Misato. She was carrying at stack of files and papers and fumbling her jacket pocket for something.
"Major Katsuragi! It's so good to see you again." Kensuke said excitedly as he removed himself from Toji's protection.
"Misato! I..." was all Asuka could say before she ran to her room and slam the door shut.
"What's up with her?" Kensuke asked aloud after watching Asuka's strange behavior and disappearing act.
[This isn't good... I better talk to her...] Misato thought.
"Excuse us, Major but can you tell us where Shinji is?" Toji asked Misato.
"Oh... Ah... Shinji's not in at the moment... He's still at Nerv. Can you come back tomorrow morning?" She replied trying sound like everything is alright.
"Ah... Sure... Is everything ok with Shinji?" Toji asked.
"I... better go see what's bothering Asuka. She... she's had a difficult time lately... I'm sorry I have to go." Misato said as she quickly went inside and closed the front door.
"Man... that was a waste..." Kensuke complained.
"Yeah. Hey Kensuke, does your dad still work for Nerv?"
"Yeah, we would have stayed with the rest of Nerv but his department doesn't required."
"Can you do some digging around? Red and the Major are acting strange. I have a feeling that something has happened to Shinji."
"Yeah...we have to unpack his computer but that shouldn't take long. It's been a while since I've done a good hack job."
***
[This will suffice] Rei thought as she surveyed the apartment. Yui had arranged a three-bedroom apartment in one of the completed complexes in the Geo Front. Her position as Vice Commander and connections with Seele made major tasks as moving minor. Within a matter of two weeks their new apartment was fully furnished and ready. The apartment had ample living space for herself, Yui and Shinji.
Rei walked into Shinji's new room. She noticed that Yui had placed a photo frame on his desk with a ribbon tied around it. [Is this a present?] She picked it up and gently removed the ribbon. She could see that the frame was divided into three sections that allowed for three separate photographs. A picture of her sat on the left and a picture of Yui was placed on the right. The middle section contained a picture of Shinji. He was smiling and in his school uniform. Underneath Shinji's photo was an inscription. [Family... Forever...] she read.
"I see you approval of my present?" Yui asked.
"I apologies... It was not my place to look." Rei replied as she quickly placed the ribbon back on the frame.
"Hahaha... It's alright Rei. I got a same photo frame for you as well." Yui replied, laughing at the young girl attempt to hide her curiosity.
"You brought me a gift?" Rei asked.
"Yes. You see when I was within Unit One I remember Shinji mentioning to his father that he never saw any photos of myself. I thought it was a good way to bring us together for a new start." Yui replied, walking next to Rei. Yui looked at her and could see that she was shaking [She must be nervous... That bastard Gendo actually did make her into a doll...]
"Rei... I know all this is new and you must be scared but there is nothing to worry about. You're here with people that care and love you. Things are going to get better from here." Yui said as she got on her knees, meeting Rei at eye level.
"Thank you... Can I ask a question?"
"Of course." Replied Yui as she placed her hands on Rei's shoulders.
"If were are to be a family... Then Shinji would be my brother and you... would... would... be my mother?"
"Yes Rei... But we don't have to rush things. We have all the time in the world."
"Thank you... mother..."
***
"Argh... where... what..."
"Careful. You're still not well." Aya replied, damping the washcloth in a basin "You've been asleep for nearly a week. Your temperature has only come back down to normal in the last few days."
"Where am..."
"Quiet, you should rest. You're body is still weak."
"Thank... you..." was all the young teen could say before succumbing to sleep. Aya adjusted the blanket to properly cover the teen. She stayed a few moments just watching him sleep [He looks so much like him...]
***
Misato rested her forehead against the front door as she made her quick escape from Toji and Kensuke [What am I going to tell them... The truth? Can I even tell them the truth?] Misato's thoughts were interrupted by some muffled cries coming from Asuka's room. She composed herself and walked towards Asuka's room.
"Asuka... It's me. Can I come in?" Misato asked after knocking gently on Asuka's door. Worried that she didn't get a reply Misato asked again but knocked a little louder.
"Go away!" Misato heard from the other side of the door. Ignoring Asuka's demand she open the door and entered. Misato saw Asuka lying on her bed facing the wall in a fetal position.
"I said go away Misato." Asuka said still sniffing away tears. Misato ignored her request again. Asuka could hear Misato walk towards her bed. She felt the mattress started to sag as Misato sat down.
"You know... I found Shinji like this a few times when he first came to live with me." Misato said as she rested her hand on Asuka's shoulder. "He would lie in bed, just like this, facing away. Trying to hide his tears... trying to hide his fear."
"I'm not scared. I'm not scared of anything!" Asuka replied angrily, trying to shrug off Misato's hand.
"But he wouldn't react like that."
"Well, I'm not a spineless wimp like Shinji."
"You know Asuka, Shinji was never a wimp..." Misato waited for a smart remark but it never came "He just had his own way of coping with things."
"What... What do you mean?"
"Do you know how much Shinji hated piloting and hated Nerv?" Misato didn't wait for Asuka to answer before continuing. "Piloting and Nerv was the root of all his pain. Nerv is the reason why Shinji grew up without a family, without a life or happiness but after every time he would run away, he would come back when we needed him..."
"The amazing Shinji saves the day again..." Asuka replied sarcastically.
"You don't get it do you, Asuka? Shinji never asked for any of this. He never wanted to be a hero or the attention that came with it. He did what he had to do because it had to be done. Through all the shit that everyone put on him, he kept fighting and asked for nothing in return." Misato said angrily wiping a tear from her check.
"Look Asuka... I don't care if you hate Shinji, that's your problem but if I ever hear you call him weak or spineless again, you will have to answer to me." Pissed off at Asuka's attitude Misato got up to leave.
"I... I have this dream... I'm on a beach with Shinji and it's just us. No people or buildings. The ocean is red and the sand white. I'm always scared when I have this dream but Shinji always comes when I need him. He... holds me and tells me that everything is going to be alright..."
"Asuka?" Misato said as she stopped half way towards the door.
"At that moment... I'm not scared anymore. I don't have to fight or pretend. I don't care about what others think of me. He... tells me that he... he... loves me for... me..." Asuka stopped for a moment as she felt Misato's arms wrap around her. "I'm sorry Misato... I'm so sorry... I need him. I need him back."
"Shhh... I know sweetie... I need him too..." Misato replied with tears of her own she held the crying fourteen year old. Misato waited until Asuka's sob subsided before continuing "You know, I was like you when Shinji was absorbed into his Eva. I even started shouting at the Eva to give him back. Everyone thought I had gone crackers."
Asuka laughed at Misato's story as she pictured a hysterical Nerv Major yelling at Unit 1. "I'm glad you find my actions amusing. You better get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." Misato said.
"Don't go..." Asuka pleaded as she grabbed Misato's hand. "Can you stay until I fall asleep?"
"Sure, but don't you think your boyfriend might get jealous?" Misato asked, causing Asuka to blush.
"He's not my boyfriend... Not yet anyway..."
***
[Another unfamiliar ceiling...] Shinji thought as he woke from his slumber. Sitting up in his bed he looked around the room he was in. The room was considerably smaller than his back in Tokyo 3. It only contained a small bedside table with a lamp and a closet with a few wire coat hangers. The curtains were drawn across the window. This confused him a bit because his internal clock was all messed up [How long have a been asleep?]
He slowly got out of bed and noticed that his clothes had been changed. [Where's all my stuff?] Shinji wondered as his change of clothes reminded him of the backpack. He walked across the cold wooden floorboards and opened the door. This lead him out to a larger living room. He noticed a section was partition for a kitchen, with the basic appliances. A small dining table with a simple cloth cover sat on the other side of the partition.
Shinji noticed a display cabinet containing a few pictures and made his way over. He picked up one of the frames and saw a young family or what he assumed were a family. A man was carrying a small child on his shoulders and woman was holding onto his waist [They look so happy? I wonder...]
"I'm glad to you are well again."
The voice of a women had surprised Shinji and he quickly placed the photo back on it's shelf. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright child. You must be hungry. Would like me to fix you something?" The mention of food reminder Shinji that his stomach was aching.
"I don't want to be a bother... I have inconvenience you enough already. I should really leave. I have some money that should cover my stay..."
"It's no bother, besides your clothes are still drying. You don't want to walk the streets half naked do you?" She asked, making her way towards the kitchen.
"Ah... Ok... Thanks. Do you want any help?"
"Don't be silly. Sit child." She motion to the dinning table. Shinji took his seat and notice a larger double siding window which lead out to a balcony where is saw his clothes hanging [How did I miss that? I must still be sick...]
"Here you go." She said placing a sandwich and drink in front of Shinji.
"Oh... Thank you..."
"Slow down. You don't want to choke."
"Sorry... I guess I was more hungry than I thought..." Shinji replied taking a sip of his drink. "If you don't mind me asking, where am I?"
"I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself, my name is Aya Sakai and this is my home."
"You have a very nice home Ms Sakai. My name is Shinji Ik... Ah... Shinji."
"It's nice to meet you Shinji. Do you have a surname?"
"Well... I'm sorry... I don't want to be rude but I'd rather not say... I'm sorry"
"You're a strange one, but I guess you have your reasons Shinji. We found you on the steps of my bar about a week ago. You were unconscious and running a high fever. We brought you in and I put you up in the spare room." Aya answered as she moved from the dining table.
"I'm very grateful for you hospitality, Sakai san." Shinji replied standing and bowing politely towards Aya.
"Please call me Aya, child. What about yourself? What's your story?"
"I'm from Tokyo 3..."
"Tokyo 3! What are you doing all the way out here?" Aya interrupted Shinji.
"... I'm... just traveling the country..." Shinji replied unsure about himself. "I should be heading off now... I'm very grateful for your hospitality. I don't want to inconvenience you any more."
Aya noticed his nervousness and hesitation but decided not to press the issue. "I'm sorry for prying. You must have your reasons for leaving Tokyo 3. If you like you could stay here. It's not too safe for someone your age to be traveling alone."
"Oh no, I could ask you to do that, besides I don't have any money to pay for board."
"You could work in my bar, downstairs." Aya motion towards a set of descending stairs on the opposite side of the living room.
"A bar?"
"Yeah. It was my father's and I inherited it after his passing. The top part use to be a hotel but it was too much for me to manage on my own, so I decided to live in it instead."
"... I'm sorry about your father..."
"It's alright Shinji. He went peacefully in his sleep." Aya paused for a moment as her thoughts drifted to her late father. "So what I was thinking... is that you could stay in the spare room and help me around the bar in return."
"That's very generous Sakai-san but I couldn't..."
"To be honest with you Shinji... when I first saw you on the steps you reminded me of my late son." Aya interrupted Shinji. "We were originally from Tokyo 3 as well. I was a teacher and my husband had a management position for one of the car manufacturing plants. Everything was going well until one day... those Angels attacked. They sent out one of those giant robots to fight it." Shinji's heart skipped a beat when Aya mention the Angels and the Evangelions. "During the fight, a section of our shelter was crushed. I survived... my husband and son died." Aya was holding the picture that Shinji was looking at before she found him awake.
"... Sakai-san... I'm so sorry..." Shinji replied trying hold back his own tears.
"You don't have to apologies. It wasn't your fault." Shinji's heart sank further [I'm responsible for killing her family...] "After that... I moved back here with my father... I can see from your eyes that you have had your fair share of hardships as well... I'm sorry to have forced you to listen to my ramblings..."
"No... I have also lost family to the Angels. I know what it's like to not tell anyone about the pain... I would like to take up your offer. Maybe we could help each other..." Aya looked over to Shinji who was bowing politely.
***
AUTHOR NOTES Thanks for the reviews. Keep them coming. I'm surprised that the majority of then have been positive which very cool.
I'm not sure if Aya Sakai (or Sakai Aya) is a true a Japanese name. I was looking on the back of my anime DVD covers for some sample Japanese names.
Wonga316
CHAPTER 04
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final 2 movies / episodes and Toji never lost his limbs during this activation.
Thanks to PhilG for proof reading.
Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile.
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thoughts
-...- = Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean...)
***
"Hey Aya!"
"What the hell do you want George? Shut the door, the rain is coming."
"Listen Aya..."
"What did I say? Close the door you drunk!"
"Aya, you better come have a look at this..."
"What's so important?"
The middle age woman from behind the bar made her way around to George, who was still holding the front door open. George he pointed to the collapsed form of a young boy on the bar front steps. He was soaked through from the rain and shivered whenever the cold wind blew against him.
"Give me a hand, George"
"Look Aya, I just came here for a night cap and..."
"Shut and give me a hand. I'll shout you a drink after."
***
"TOJI! Over here, man" Kensuke shouted from across the station platform.
"Hey Ken! Long time no see!" Toji replied as he made his way towards his friend.
"Yeah. How long has it been? A month since we last saw each other?" Kensuke commented as he picked up his luggage from the carriage storage bay.
"I think so. It sucked that they didn't have enough spots at your new school so I could join you guys. Did you hear from Shinji at all?"
"Yeah I know... Tough break about that. Shinji? Nah man. I emailed him a few times but I never got a response. What about you?"
"Same here. I guess he must have been busy with top secret Nerv stuff."
"TOJI! Hurry up! This bag is getting heavy!" Kimi exclaimed as she dragged a large suitcase along the floor of the train station.
"Yeah ok!" Toji shouted back at his sister. "Listen man, we'll hook up later. I got to help dad and sis settle in. Maybe we can drop by Misato's place and visit Shinji after."
"Yeah... Misato..." Kensuke drooled as images of the lavender Major occupied his mind.
***
Tokyo3 had also resumed to normal city life. Public transport was functional again. The business districts had reopened as well as schools. The majority of the damage caused by the Angels had been corrected and families were returning to their homes. Life on the surface was well but underneath Tokyo3, in the Geo Front and Nerv things were not proceeding as well.
"Bloody machine!" Misato complained as she slammed her fist into the keyboard of the computer. "You would think a billion dollar secret organisation could afford equipment that will work!"
"You know if you keep that up, it will only cause more paper work for myself" Yui commented from Misato's doorway. "May be I can help." Yui stated as she walked over to Misato and her terminal. Yui taped a few keys into machine and her system was back on line.
"Smart arse..." Misato muttered just loud enough for Yui to hear.
"No problems, Major."
"So... are you settled in at work and home yet?"
"Home is going well. The contractors have completed the renovations to the apartment. It's actually starting to look like a suitable home instead of the place that Gendo forced her to live in." Yui replied as she leaned on the edge of the desk.
"What about work?"
"You mean being the new Vice Commander? It's not as easy as it looks. When I was head scientist things were much easier... less politics..."
"Yeah I can imagine..."
"How's Asuka? Is she making any progress?"
"Her rehabilitation is coming along well, in fact ahead of schedule. I guess you could put it down to her stubbornness..." Misato replied, taking a sip of her coffee.
"...But something is wrong..."
"...I think that she really misses Shinji. It's strange; when he was around she would always pick and tease him. I sometimes come home and find that she has been crying. A couple of times I have found her asleep in Shinji's bed."
There was silence after Misato mention Shinji. It had been over a month since Shinji went missing and Section Two was no closer to finding him. It seemed whenever they would get a break though it would lead to a dead end and each time this happen it ate away at their hope that Shinji would return.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean..." Misato said quickly, knowing that she had touched a soft spot for the both of them.
"It's ok Misato..." Yui replied as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
***
[It still smells like him...] Asuka thought as pulled Shinji's bed sheets up to her chin [He didn't take many thing... I guess he plans on coming back...] She thought as she looked around his room, his cello sat in the corner against his desk, school papers still littered it. His closet was ajar and school uniforms could be seen hanging on their hooks [I know he well come back...] Asuka thought as a single tear fell onto Shinji's pillow.
"I wonder what Shin-man has been up to? I hope big red didn't do him in..." Toji remarked as he and Kensuke waited for the elevator to reach Misato's floor.
"Don't worry about Shinji, he's an Eva pilot... I'm more concerned about Misato." Kensuke replied suggestively.
"Yeah... I guess you're right."
As Kensuke thoughts involved Misato in certain situations where clothing was not essential, Toji was more concerned about Shinji. He knew first hand what it was like to pilot the Evangelions and Shinji's dislike to pilot them. He felt sorry for him and as well as admiration. Shinji was a normal fourteen-year-old teenager just like himself who had the whole world ahead of him. [He should have been chasing girls and enjoying life... instead his bastard father made him pilot...]
"Hey Toji, we're here. Wake up"
"Sorry man" Toji replied shaking his head and ringing the doorbell.
"May be we should have brought something for Misato..." Kensuke thought out loud as they waited for someone to answer. The sound of someone unlocking the door brought Kensuke back to attention but it was not who he wanted to see.
"What do you stooges want?" Asuka asked trying to sound like her usually self.
"Nice to see you too Devil girl. Is Shinji home?" Toji replied casually [She looks like she has been crying...]
"Yeah, why don't you be a good little backup pilot and get Shinji for us." Kensuke teased.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?" Asuka exclaimed back. "Look here, you dip shit, I'm not backup pilot. I'm better than Rei and Shin..." She stopped mid sentence as Kensuke ducked behind Toji, trying hide from Asuka triad.
"Can you just get Shinji, Red? We're in no mood for a argument right now." Toji replied as he tried to get Kensuke off his back.
"Shinji... Shinji is..." Asuka was struggling to give a plausible explanation to Toji. "He's not here right now..."
"Can you tell us where he is?"
Asuka couldn't look Toji or Kensuke in the eye when he asked again. She dropped her head letting her red fringe cover most of her face. Asuka's reaction to Toji's question worried him.
"Is he alright?" he asked as Asuka tried to hide the tears forming.
"Suzihara? Aide? What are you doing here?"
Toji and Kensuke turned around to find that it was Misato. She was carrying at stack of files and papers and fumbling her jacket pocket for something.
"Major Katsuragi! It's so good to see you again." Kensuke said excitedly as he removed himself from Toji's protection.
"Misato! I..." was all Asuka could say before she ran to her room and slam the door shut.
"What's up with her?" Kensuke asked aloud after watching Asuka's strange behavior and disappearing act.
[This isn't good... I better talk to her...] Misato thought.
"Excuse us, Major but can you tell us where Shinji is?" Toji asked Misato.
"Oh... Ah... Shinji's not in at the moment... He's still at Nerv. Can you come back tomorrow morning?" She replied trying sound like everything is alright.
"Ah... Sure... Is everything ok with Shinji?" Toji asked.
"I... better go see what's bothering Asuka. She... she's had a difficult time lately... I'm sorry I have to go." Misato said as she quickly went inside and closed the front door.
"Man... that was a waste..." Kensuke complained.
"Yeah. Hey Kensuke, does your dad still work for Nerv?"
"Yeah, we would have stayed with the rest of Nerv but his department doesn't required."
"Can you do some digging around? Red and the Major are acting strange. I have a feeling that something has happened to Shinji."
"Yeah...we have to unpack his computer but that shouldn't take long. It's been a while since I've done a good hack job."
***
[This will suffice] Rei thought as she surveyed the apartment. Yui had arranged a three-bedroom apartment in one of the completed complexes in the Geo Front. Her position as Vice Commander and connections with Seele made major tasks as moving minor. Within a matter of two weeks their new apartment was fully furnished and ready. The apartment had ample living space for herself, Yui and Shinji.
Rei walked into Shinji's new room. She noticed that Yui had placed a photo frame on his desk with a ribbon tied around it. [Is this a present?] She picked it up and gently removed the ribbon. She could see that the frame was divided into three sections that allowed for three separate photographs. A picture of her sat on the left and a picture of Yui was placed on the right. The middle section contained a picture of Shinji. He was smiling and in his school uniform. Underneath Shinji's photo was an inscription. [Family... Forever...] she read.
"I see you approval of my present?" Yui asked.
"I apologies... It was not my place to look." Rei replied as she quickly placed the ribbon back on the frame.
"Hahaha... It's alright Rei. I got a same photo frame for you as well." Yui replied, laughing at the young girl attempt to hide her curiosity.
"You brought me a gift?" Rei asked.
"Yes. You see when I was within Unit One I remember Shinji mentioning to his father that he never saw any photos of myself. I thought it was a good way to bring us together for a new start." Yui replied, walking next to Rei. Yui looked at her and could see that she was shaking [She must be nervous... That bastard Gendo actually did make her into a doll...]
"Rei... I know all this is new and you must be scared but there is nothing to worry about. You're here with people that care and love you. Things are going to get better from here." Yui said as she got on her knees, meeting Rei at eye level.
"Thank you... Can I ask a question?"
"Of course." Replied Yui as she placed her hands on Rei's shoulders.
"If were are to be a family... Then Shinji would be my brother and you... would... would... be my mother?"
"Yes Rei... But we don't have to rush things. We have all the time in the world."
"Thank you... mother..."
***
"Argh... where... what..."
"Careful. You're still not well." Aya replied, damping the washcloth in a basin "You've been asleep for nearly a week. Your temperature has only come back down to normal in the last few days."
"Where am..."
"Quiet, you should rest. You're body is still weak."
"Thank... you..." was all the young teen could say before succumbing to sleep. Aya adjusted the blanket to properly cover the teen. She stayed a few moments just watching him sleep [He looks so much like him...]
***
Misato rested her forehead against the front door as she made her quick escape from Toji and Kensuke [What am I going to tell them... The truth? Can I even tell them the truth?] Misato's thoughts were interrupted by some muffled cries coming from Asuka's room. She composed herself and walked towards Asuka's room.
"Asuka... It's me. Can I come in?" Misato asked after knocking gently on Asuka's door. Worried that she didn't get a reply Misato asked again but knocked a little louder.
"Go away!" Misato heard from the other side of the door. Ignoring Asuka's demand she open the door and entered. Misato saw Asuka lying on her bed facing the wall in a fetal position.
"I said go away Misato." Asuka said still sniffing away tears. Misato ignored her request again. Asuka could hear Misato walk towards her bed. She felt the mattress started to sag as Misato sat down.
"You know... I found Shinji like this a few times when he first came to live with me." Misato said as she rested her hand on Asuka's shoulder. "He would lie in bed, just like this, facing away. Trying to hide his tears... trying to hide his fear."
"I'm not scared. I'm not scared of anything!" Asuka replied angrily, trying to shrug off Misato's hand.
"But he wouldn't react like that."
"Well, I'm not a spineless wimp like Shinji."
"You know Asuka, Shinji was never a wimp..." Misato waited for a smart remark but it never came "He just had his own way of coping with things."
"What... What do you mean?"
"Do you know how much Shinji hated piloting and hated Nerv?" Misato didn't wait for Asuka to answer before continuing. "Piloting and Nerv was the root of all his pain. Nerv is the reason why Shinji grew up without a family, without a life or happiness but after every time he would run away, he would come back when we needed him..."
"The amazing Shinji saves the day again..." Asuka replied sarcastically.
"You don't get it do you, Asuka? Shinji never asked for any of this. He never wanted to be a hero or the attention that came with it. He did what he had to do because it had to be done. Through all the shit that everyone put on him, he kept fighting and asked for nothing in return." Misato said angrily wiping a tear from her check.
"Look Asuka... I don't care if you hate Shinji, that's your problem but if I ever hear you call him weak or spineless again, you will have to answer to me." Pissed off at Asuka's attitude Misato got up to leave.
"I... I have this dream... I'm on a beach with Shinji and it's just us. No people or buildings. The ocean is red and the sand white. I'm always scared when I have this dream but Shinji always comes when I need him. He... holds me and tells me that everything is going to be alright..."
"Asuka?" Misato said as she stopped half way towards the door.
"At that moment... I'm not scared anymore. I don't have to fight or pretend. I don't care about what others think of me. He... tells me that he... he... loves me for... me..." Asuka stopped for a moment as she felt Misato's arms wrap around her. "I'm sorry Misato... I'm so sorry... I need him. I need him back."
"Shhh... I know sweetie... I need him too..." Misato replied with tears of her own she held the crying fourteen year old. Misato waited until Asuka's sob subsided before continuing "You know, I was like you when Shinji was absorbed into his Eva. I even started shouting at the Eva to give him back. Everyone thought I had gone crackers."
Asuka laughed at Misato's story as she pictured a hysterical Nerv Major yelling at Unit 1. "I'm glad you find my actions amusing. You better get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." Misato said.
"Don't go..." Asuka pleaded as she grabbed Misato's hand. "Can you stay until I fall asleep?"
"Sure, but don't you think your boyfriend might get jealous?" Misato asked, causing Asuka to blush.
"He's not my boyfriend... Not yet anyway..."
***
[Another unfamiliar ceiling...] Shinji thought as he woke from his slumber. Sitting up in his bed he looked around the room he was in. The room was considerably smaller than his back in Tokyo 3. It only contained a small bedside table with a lamp and a closet with a few wire coat hangers. The curtains were drawn across the window. This confused him a bit because his internal clock was all messed up [How long have a been asleep?]
He slowly got out of bed and noticed that his clothes had been changed. [Where's all my stuff?] Shinji wondered as his change of clothes reminded him of the backpack. He walked across the cold wooden floorboards and opened the door. This lead him out to a larger living room. He noticed a section was partition for a kitchen, with the basic appliances. A small dining table with a simple cloth cover sat on the other side of the partition.
Shinji noticed a display cabinet containing a few pictures and made his way over. He picked up one of the frames and saw a young family or what he assumed were a family. A man was carrying a small child on his shoulders and woman was holding onto his waist [They look so happy? I wonder...]
"I'm glad to you are well again."
The voice of a women had surprised Shinji and he quickly placed the photo back on it's shelf. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright child. You must be hungry. Would like me to fix you something?" The mention of food reminder Shinji that his stomach was aching.
"I don't want to be a bother... I have inconvenience you enough already. I should really leave. I have some money that should cover my stay..."
"It's no bother, besides your clothes are still drying. You don't want to walk the streets half naked do you?" She asked, making her way towards the kitchen.
"Ah... Ok... Thanks. Do you want any help?"
"Don't be silly. Sit child." She motion to the dinning table. Shinji took his seat and notice a larger double siding window which lead out to a balcony where is saw his clothes hanging [How did I miss that? I must still be sick...]
"Here you go." She said placing a sandwich and drink in front of Shinji.
"Oh... Thank you..."
"Slow down. You don't want to choke."
"Sorry... I guess I was more hungry than I thought..." Shinji replied taking a sip of his drink. "If you don't mind me asking, where am I?"
"I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself, my name is Aya Sakai and this is my home."
"You have a very nice home Ms Sakai. My name is Shinji Ik... Ah... Shinji."
"It's nice to meet you Shinji. Do you have a surname?"
"Well... I'm sorry... I don't want to be rude but I'd rather not say... I'm sorry"
"You're a strange one, but I guess you have your reasons Shinji. We found you on the steps of my bar about a week ago. You were unconscious and running a high fever. We brought you in and I put you up in the spare room." Aya answered as she moved from the dining table.
"I'm very grateful for you hospitality, Sakai san." Shinji replied standing and bowing politely towards Aya.
"Please call me Aya, child. What about yourself? What's your story?"
"I'm from Tokyo 3..."
"Tokyo 3! What are you doing all the way out here?" Aya interrupted Shinji.
"... I'm... just traveling the country..." Shinji replied unsure about himself. "I should be heading off now... I'm very grateful for your hospitality. I don't want to inconvenience you any more."
Aya noticed his nervousness and hesitation but decided not to press the issue. "I'm sorry for prying. You must have your reasons for leaving Tokyo 3. If you like you could stay here. It's not too safe for someone your age to be traveling alone."
"Oh no, I could ask you to do that, besides I don't have any money to pay for board."
"You could work in my bar, downstairs." Aya motion towards a set of descending stairs on the opposite side of the living room.
"A bar?"
"Yeah. It was my father's and I inherited it after his passing. The top part use to be a hotel but it was too much for me to manage on my own, so I decided to live in it instead."
"... I'm sorry about your father..."
"It's alright Shinji. He went peacefully in his sleep." Aya paused for a moment as her thoughts drifted to her late father. "So what I was thinking... is that you could stay in the spare room and help me around the bar in return."
"That's very generous Sakai-san but I couldn't..."
"To be honest with you Shinji... when I first saw you on the steps you reminded me of my late son." Aya interrupted Shinji. "We were originally from Tokyo 3 as well. I was a teacher and my husband had a management position for one of the car manufacturing plants. Everything was going well until one day... those Angels attacked. They sent out one of those giant robots to fight it." Shinji's heart skipped a beat when Aya mention the Angels and the Evangelions. "During the fight, a section of our shelter was crushed. I survived... my husband and son died." Aya was holding the picture that Shinji was looking at before she found him awake.
"... Sakai-san... I'm so sorry..." Shinji replied trying hold back his own tears.
"You don't have to apologies. It wasn't your fault." Shinji's heart sank further [I'm responsible for killing her family...] "After that... I moved back here with my father... I can see from your eyes that you have had your fair share of hardships as well... I'm sorry to have forced you to listen to my ramblings..."
"No... I have also lost family to the Angels. I know what it's like to not tell anyone about the pain... I would like to take up your offer. Maybe we could help each other..." Aya looked over to Shinji who was bowing politely.
***
AUTHOR NOTES Thanks for the reviews. Keep them coming. I'm surprised that the majority of then have been positive which very cool.
I'm not sure if Aya Sakai (or Sakai Aya) is a true a Japanese name. I was looking on the back of my anime DVD covers for some sample Japanese names.
Wonga316
