TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 06
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 – wonga316yahoo.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 test.
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...)
Gendo waited before the empty UN committee stand. The members had filed out to discuss the evidence that was presented against him. It had been nearly five years since he had been stood down as the Commander of Nerv and he was only a shadow of his former self. He had lost a considerable amount of weight and the once proud arrogant face he wore was replaced by a tired broken one.
His treatment during his temporary imprisonment was humane and followed the genviea convention. No one had visited him during this time. Kaji and other Section Two members visited him for official business. He attempted to contact Yui numerous times but was meet with a brick wall of silence.
Everyone rose as the committee members re entered the room. The audience contained mostly media and country representatives. The fall of the former Nerv Commander was the most publicised story for the past two years. Many countries and private organisations had vast stakes in the Nerv organisation therefore the mass media coverage. Gendo could only recognise Kaji and Fuyutuski from the crowd. He notice that a vacant seat next to Fuyutuski with the place card 'Nerv - Vice Commander'
"Gendo Rokubungi, please stand." As he stood up the room was lit up as photographers began taking their page one photos for the morning newspapers. "For the attempted mass genocide of the human species, we the committee find you... guilty." This was following by another wave of photoflashes and chatter from the audience.
The committee continued to read their verdicts. Each verdict guilt and every time resulting in flashes and chatter. Gendo remained motionless as each verdict was read.
"Do you have anything to before your sentence is read?" A committee member asked.
"Yes but not to the committee. May I address someone in the audience?"
"You may." Gendo turned to Kaji and Fuyutuski. Security attempted to hold back photographers and media personnel crowed around the two Nerv Officers.
"Sensei, promise me that you look after my family?" Fuyutuski nodded an affirmative. "Tell them for what its worth that I'm sorry and that I was always proud of Shinji."
Gendo turned to the committee before he could see Kaji and Fuyutuski reaction to his request and waited for his sentence.
"Gendo Rokubungi... this committee sentences you to death..." the committee's verdict was followed by a sea of flashes and media people attempting to get a response from the former Commander. He ignored all their pleas, as he was lead away by security through a side door.
"Excuse me, miss. We have landed." The young women rubbed her green eyes as someone gentle rocked her awake. She looked out the VTOL and notice that the sea was replace by tarmac.
"... Ok... Thanks." She replied to the co pilot as hiss of the side door opened to let her out. "Where's my Unit?"
"Transport One is still in transit. ETA 15minutes."
"Very well." She stepped out on the VTOL and noticed a older women holding a stack of papers and wearing a white lab coat standing by a SUV with men in dark suits [Must be her and security...].
"WHY?" Hikari pleaded. "You're his friend can't you say anything?"
"I've known Toji for practically all my life... There is no way you can change his mind once it's made up."
"Hikari ca..."
"Don't tell me to calm down, Toji Suzahara! I'm your girlfriend! When did you think you were going to tell me?" Toji didn't response but looked at his half eaten meal in front of him. Hikari's yelling had gain the attention of some of the other restaurant patrons but the normally clam and reserved former class representive didn't care.
"Hikari... I think you better sit down and settle down a bit." Kensuke advised her.
"NO! Do you know how dangerous it is? Do you remember what happen last time you try to pilot? What about what happen to Asuka? How it wrecked Shinji's life? All of Rei's injuries!" Hikari was shaking with anger and failed to notice Misato, Yui, Rei and Asuka entering the restaurant. Once a month they would all get together and have somewhat of a reunion.
"I think the stooge just told her." Asuka said to no one in particular. Sensing that things were getting out of hand Misato spoke out "Hi guys! Sorry we're late. The sync tests took longer than expected."
"Misato?" Hikari, Toji and Kensuke replied surprised by her greeting. The remaining four people took their seats at the dinner table. An uncomfortable silence followed.
"Toji if you have having second thoughts about piloting please say so. I don't want you to do something that you don't want." Yui said across the table. Everyone focused on Toji, especially Hikari. "I know... It's just that..." he hesitated.
"What? Please tell me?" Hikari pleaded, squeezing his hand.
"It's what Shinji would do. It's what I have to do..." Misato's mobile phone sounded and all the attention turned to her. "Sorry guys I better answer this."
"Major Katsuragi." She nodded a few time. "Ok, thanks Kaji." Then hung up.
"Are we required at Nerv?" Rei asked formally.
"No. The committee has given its verdict."
She watched the street lights lit up one by one as they made way to Nerv. It was now the cooler months of the year, hence the days seem shorter. The seasons were slowly starting to act like they were supposing to prior the second impact. It was a sign that the earth was slowly healing itself.
"Is this your first time to Japan, Mana?" Ritsuko asked from the front seat. One the security detail drove while the other flanked mana's side.
"Officially yes but I have been to Japan for a holiday before." She replied.
"Well that's good. Then things shouldn't be a foreign as they usually are."
"Are we going to Nerv?"
"Yes. You have to check into security, organise key cards and such."
"I was actually hoping to have a shower. It was a long flight and I'll like to freshen up. That actually reminds me. Where will I be staying while I'm here?"
"Didn't you get the brief in China HQ?" the shaking of Mana's head confirmed a no. "You'll be staying with Major Katsuragi and the second child."
"Major Katsuragi and the second child? Her name is Asuka isn't it? Hang on, doesn't the third child live with them as well."
"Ah... I better let the Major explain that. How do you know about Asuka and Shinji? I thought you didn't get the brief?"
"I didn't but people talk about the famous third child. He's actually talked about like a some superstar in some parts of world."
"I see." [I better inform Kaji about this. He might be able to use this help find Shinji]
"Dr. Akagi can you tell me what Shinji is like? I what to know if he's as good looking as everyone makes him out to be?"
"What? Are you interested in Shinji?"
"I am a normal girl before a pilot and a girl has her needs..." Mana replied smartly causing a small laugh from Ritsuko.
"I'm actually surprised by his comment." Kaji mention has he and Commander Fuyutsuki walked to his Nerv issued sedan.
"Hmmm... How do you think the others will react?"
"Not sure. Everyone has changed a lot these past five years. When I mention it to Misato she seem indifferent." Kaji pressed unlock on his key chain causing the indicators on his car to flash and unlock. "What time is your meeting with Seele tomorrow?"
"The usually but I doubt that Gendo's verdict will be the topic... You know what they are going to say." Fuyutsuki said buckling his seat belt.
"Yeah... Stop searching..."
"I'm afraid so... What are you smiling about?" Fuyutsuki notice a small grin appearing on Kaji's face as he pulled out of the car park.
"I have a feeling that Shinji will find us." Kaji then hit the speed dial on his mobile and spoke into his hands free speaker. "It's Kaji. I need two men on the inside of Gendo's prison and around the clock surveillance on the facility"
"That can take time. We have to pull back resources from the field, organise plausible covers...
"You have twelve hours. Pull back what you need from the field. This is a priority and our best opportunity for a breakthrough yet." Kaji finished by hitting the cancel key on his mobile
"Man... I'm stuffed..." Misato commented as she entered her apartment.
"It's no wonder you're still single." Asuka complained about her guardian's. "The way you eat and drink isn't a real turn on for men."
"Oh and you're one to talk. When was it the last time you had a date?" Misato snapped back.
"You two will never change." A female voice interrupted the friendly fight between Misato and Asuka.
"Risu? What are you doing here?" Misato asked surprised by the appearance of the Nerv scientist. "How did you get in?"
"I still your key from the last time we when out to drinks. Someone has to carry you home after one of your drinking sessions." Ritsuko replied sarcassitical.
"See I told you. You are going to die a single and lonely woman, Misato" Asuka added.
"Argh... I was actually hoping for a peaceful evening after an enjoyable dinner. Just tell me what you want." Misato outburst brought about the sounds of someone laughing. "Who's that?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't introduced you yet. Misato this is Mana Kirishima, the fifth child." Mana bowed politely as Ristsuko introduced her to the Misato
Shinji rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he got out of his small bed. Pulling on a pair of old tracksuit pants to began to think about the past fives and what has happen [It's been almost five years... I wonder how they are all going? They probably forgotten about me, five years is a long time] He walked out of his room and headed towards the bathroom wake himself properly.
"Hey Shinji, you going to be long?" Aya asked from the doorway.
"Just a minute, I'm almost done." Shinji replied grabbing a towel and wiping the water from his face.
"You know you have change a lot when you first came here?"
"You think?" Shinji began tying his hair back.
"The long hair is a better look than the choir boy hair cut." Aya commented walking in and picking up her toothbrush and applying some toothpaste.
"If I didn't know better you were trying to hit on me, Aya?" Shinji said suggestively to Aya's reflection as she brushed her teeth. He was greeted with a playful slap across the back of the head.
"I'll go start breakfast."
When Aya finished in the bathroom, she return to the main living room and was greeted with a hot breakfast. "Hmmm... Looks good"
"Eat it while it's warm." Shinji replied, pouring himself a cup of coffee and turning the television on with the remote control.
-In breaking new, last night the UN committee gave a guilt verdict on for the former commander of Nerv, Gendo Ikari- The news reporter read out.
"Is everything ok, child?" Aya asked as Shinji choked on his coffee. She immediately looked back at the television as the report continued.
-He has been sentence to death and has refused an option for appeal. Date for execution is yet to be finalised but former committee members has suggested that this could be sometime early next week-
"I... I... have to... go..." Shinji muttered out as the coffee left his limp hand.
"It is finally an honour to meet you Major Katsuragi." Mana expressed bowing again.
"Oh, you can drop the Major bit, just call me Misato." She then turned to Ritsuko. "Hey Ritsuko, how come you didn't tell me that Mana was arrive early?"
"What do you mean early? You got Mana transfer papers almost six weeks ago."
"Yeah but the date was the fourth." Misato stated as she made her way over to the fridge and started rummaging through its contents. "Hey Mana, would you like a drink or something?"
"Ah... No thanks, I'm fine." [She can't be the same Major Katsuragi that everyone talks about]
"I guess you were hung over again, as usual, the date actually said the third."
"So you're the fifth?" Asuka asked as she entered the kitchen.
"Oh, Mana Kirishima. This is Asuka Langey Sohryu, the second child." Misato introduce. Asuka made her way over to Mana [I was hoping for a little more time to tell Asuka...]
"It's an honour to meet you Pilot Sohryu." Mana extended her hand as she greeted the red head. Asuka accepted her hand cautiously and then turned to Misato and Ritsuko.
"When were you guys going to tell me about this?" Asuka asked.
"Well... you see I was planning to but I guess I misread the transfer papers." Misato answered from behind one of her beer cans. Her actions causing a shake of the head from Asuka and Ritsuko. "Oh, sorry Risu did you want one?" Misato thrusted the can towards the Nerv doctor.
"I'll be fine thanks, Misato. I better be going. I have an early start tomorrow. See you guys later." Ritsuko made her way out.
"Thank you for your help Dr. Akagi." Mana farewell the doctor as she left.
"Ok Mana. You can have Shinji's room for the moment. It's the second on the right." Misato pointed in the direction of the room.
"WHAT!" Asuka yelled. "WHAT DOES SHE GET SHINJI'S ROOM?"
"That actually reminds me, where is Shinji? I heard that he also lives with you Misato." Mana question regarding Shinji caused downcast faces to appear on Misato and Asuka. "I'm sorry did I say something wrong?"
"Do you have to leave right away?" Aya asked as she watched Shinji stuffed some clothes onto his backpack.
"Only be gone for a few days. I'm sorry to leave you alone with the bar and everything else but it's just that..."
"What child? You can tell me?" Aya approached Shinji and laid a supportive hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry Aya. I haven't told you the truth about my past... The man that he news was talking about is... is... my father." Shinji said with tears rolling down his face. "I use to be an Eva pilot. I was going to tell you but when you mention that your family was killed because an Eva unit damaged your shelter, I thought you would hate me... Causes it's my fault that they are dead!"
Aya pulled the young into a hug and held onto him. Shinji cried as Aya patted his back trying to sooth his crying. Aya found herself crying as well. This was the first time Aya had seen Shinji in this state. For the five years that he spent his time here, he had also been strong and quiet. Shinji never spoke about himself or seek the attention of overs.
"Shinji, listen to me... I knew that you were a pilot when you first came to here."
"You did! Why didn't you say anything?"
"I'm not sure why. I guess I was lonely as well. There has been a hole in my heart since they died. I thought that maybe you could fill that hole..."
"But I was the one that caused the shelter to collapse!"
"NO SHINJI!" Aya parted away and shook him. "It's true that you pilot those things but there is more than one of the giant robots isn't there?" Shinji nodded.
"Then one of the other could have caused the damage to the shelter but I don't blame them or you. You did what you had to do."
"But... I..."
"You don't control what happens with those angels or whatever they call them."
"But if I was stronger..."
"You're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for... Shinji, what you do or what happens in your life doesn't make you who you are. It's what is on the inside that matters. It doesn't matter if you did cause the shelter to collapse, that's in the past. I learnt long ago that you can't let one event rule you for the rest of your life."
"What... What do you... mean?"
"After the shelter collapse I hit rock bottom... Nothing matter to me... I even tried ending it a number of times..." This admission shocked Shinji. "But one day I realised that feeling sorry for myself wouldn't bring them back. What would be achieved if I was depressed? Life goes on and you have one chance it. The truth is that you don't always get what you want in life therefore you have to make the most of it."
"Aya... I..."
"Life's too short to be wasted feeling sorry for yourself."
"That's the whole situation up to this date." Misato finished explaining to Mana what happen to Shinji.
"I don't believe it..." Mana replied.
"Yeah... Morale has been down since Shinji left. The guy's sync ratios haven't been as high as they were when Shinji was around. Everyone still expects him to show up around Nerv like the old days." Misato skulled the last of her beer and proceeded to get another one from the fridge.
"You miss him don't you?"
"I do..."
"Major, why did Asuka run off like that? I mean does she and Shinji..." Mana asked probing if Shinji and Asuka had a relationship.
"Asuka and Shinji? I don't think that she would appreciate you talking that way. Asuka doesn't hate Shinji but... Ahem... lets just say that things are difficult to read."
"I see... So he isn't seeing anyone at the moment." Mana asked.
"Hmmm... You're awfully interested in Shinji." Misato asked trying to lighten the mood. "What are your intentions Mana? Are you interested in my Shinji?"
"My intentions? I would have thought a woman like yourself would have guessed by now." Mana replied smartly.
"I like your style but if you hurt Shinji in anyway and I mean anyway I'll make you sorry that you were even selected as a Evangelion pilot." Misato threaten the young women. "In any case... You have to wait in line for Shinji behind me..." Both women enjoyed a laugh.
[That bitch!] Asuka thought. She had left her room to confront Mana when they begin talking about Shinji but remained hidden just outside the kitchen door. [Shinji is mine...]
Three Days Later
"Sign here." The guard stated, placing a pen between the pages of the opened visitors logbook. Shinji complied and signed his name followed by the date [Should I put my full? Just S.Ikari should do]. When Shinji finished the guard spun the book around and started filling in his administrative fields in the form.
"By law I have to ask you these question. You understand all the risk associated in entering this facility?" the guard asked.
"Yes."
"You understand that if you are involved in a hostage situation the Japanese Government nor the Prison Authority will negotiate for your freedom?"
"Yes."
"You have 30 minutes... Remember to only use the phone and don't touch the glass. You're in booth 6." The guard said as he led Shinji through to the visitation area. A large glass partition divided the grey stale room. All windows were barred and the sunlight stretch shadows across the floor. A guard patrolled the elevated walkway and cameras were specifically mounted in certain areas.
Shinji walked with heavy feet to booth 6. He took his seat without looking up to see what was in front of him. The clicking of someone picking up the other conference phone told me to pick his up.
"Hello Shinji."
"Father..." Shinji replied finally looking up from the ground. His stare matched that of Gendo's.
"You look well. You have grown." Gendo's comment surprised Shinji and he dropped his handset as a result.
"I... Ah... Yeah..." Shinji replied when he fumbled his handset back to the side of his head.
"Rei, sweetie... You know that you don't have to do this." Yui said to her daughter.
"I know mother." She replied adjusting her coat. "I have this familiar feeling. Something tells me that I should go today."
"Ok. If you have any doubts at anytime just let me know."
"I know. The same goes yourself as well mother."
"Thank you." Yui gave a motherly kiss and wiped a small tear from the corner of her eye. "You have grown into a wonderful woman. I'm so proud of you."
The Nerv car had pulled out front of them and a Section Two Agent exited the front passenger side. He opened the rear door and motion Yui and Rei to enter.
"I have arranged a meeting for 10:30. The prison warden arranged a private room." The agent said to the Ikari women.
"Does he know that we are meeting him?" Yui asked.
"No Dr. Ikari. I have requested that he not be told as per your request."
"H... H... Ho... How... have you ... b... bee... been?" Shinji asked nervously through the hand piece, stilling trying to avoid his father's eyes.
"If you look at me while we speak you will be able to tell." Gendo replied immediately. Shinji slowly moved his glaze from the bench top to the glass plane. "You can should be able to tell now."
"You look well..." [Has he lost weight? He doesn't look the same as before.]
"As well as someone can be in a place like this." Gendo replied. "Have you returned yet?"
"Ah... I... No... I haven't"
"I see... Do you have any intensions of returning?"
"What? So I can be treated as a object! Like some expendable weapon!" Shinji replied angrily.
"No one treated you as an object. You just presumed that it was like that."
[That does it!] "That's bullshit. You never gave a damn about what happen to me or other anyone else." Shinji slammed the glass shield. This surprised and shocked Gendo somewhat. "What about yourself? I bet you feel pretty damn pound of yourself right now."
"..."
"Answer the question you bastard!"
"..."
"I thought so. You thought that you were untouchable, that you could doing anything and treat anyone as you like. Well, look at you now. You have no family, no friends, nothing!"
"..."
Shinji took a moment to calm himself before continuing "... I heard about your verdict on the news... I just wanted to say goodbye..." Shinji then notice a guard approach Gendo and whisper something to him.
"Wait Shinji..." Gendo pleaded to his son "Will you do something for me?"
"What? Are you going to order me pilot again?" said asked sarcastically.
"...No. I'm not going to order you to do anything. I want you to return to Tokyo 3."
"Why should I?"
"I can't explain... I've done many things that I'm not proud of and I have also regretted. I don't want you to make the same mistake. There's someone that you should talk to in Tokyo 3."
"What are you talking about?" Who is this person?"
"You only get one chance in life, Shinji... It's too short for regrets... Goodbye... My son..." Gendo hung up the receiver and walked away from the booth and Shinji.
"HEY! Wait!" Shinji yelled into the hand piece.
"Excuse me sir, if you keep up this behaviour you'll have to leave immediately" Shinji's shouting and hitting the glass had alerted one of the guards.
Rei felt uneasy as the Nerv car pulled to a stop outside the holding facility where the former Commander was held.
"It's still not too late to go back if you want." Yui said sensing that you daughter was troubled.
"I'm nervous that's all. Nothing to be concerned about." Rei said as security open her door and she exited the car.
"We'll be about 30 minutes." Yui told the driver.
"Yes ma'am."
A formally dressed man waited for the two Nerv visitors by the entrance. "Dr. Ikari and Ms Ayanami?" The man said bowing. "Everything has been arranged as per your request."
"Thank you, warden. How is he today?" Yui asked as they entered the facility.
"We have had no issues with Mr Ikari. In fact you're his second visitor today."
"Second visitor? I thought that he was barred from visitations because of national security risks?" Yui asked surprised.
"That's true but prisoners on death row have their visitation rights restored. Seems fair since their time is limited."
"What can you tell me about the visitor he had?" Yui asked anxiously.
"Not much I'm afraid but I can arrange the guard on duty to speak to if you like?"
"That would be appreciated. Can you arrange that after our visit?"
"Of course." The warden had lead Yui and Rei into a secluded section of the holding facility. They stood before a solid grey door and watched the warden slid his access card through the security pass. The door hissed open and revealed a sterile white room with a single table and three chairs. "This room is monitored and he is a panic button." The warden handed a small remote device to Yui.
"Panic button?" Rei enquired.
"It's just another safety measure we employ. Just press the button if you feel threaten. Guards are posted just outside the door and we enter."
"I see..."
"Thank you, warden." Yui said. The warden nodded and left the two women in the room. They took the two unoccupied seats, opposite the single chair and waited. The only way into the room was the door, which they entered.
"How are you feeling?" Yui asked concerned for her daughter.
"Who do you think visited the commander?" Rei asked, ignoring Yui's question.
"Not sure..." [I know what you are thinking, Rei...]
"If you know what I'm thinking, then why didn't you say so?" Rei asked, reading Yui's mind.
"Haha... I keep forgetting that you have still have that ability. Since I'm unable to read minds then..." Yui was interrupted by the opening on the door and the appearance of the Gendo Ikari with his hands and feet chained, flanked by two guards.
"...Yui... Rei..."
AUTHOR NOTES
Sorry for the delay in update. I've been busy with work and my other fics. Thanks for the positive reviews, keep' em coming. I haven't heard from my proofreader in a while therefore expect some silly mistakes :(
