TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 07
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...)
TOKYO 3 – CITY PRISON
"Yui... Rei..." Gendo gasp.
Rei stood from her seat and greeted the former Nerv Commander "Mr. Ikari." She said in her monotone manner. Yui remained seated and addressed the man by his proper name. "Rokubungi" her resentment towards Gendo was still evident.
The prison guards directed Gendo to the single vacant chair and then left the room. Gendo slowly placed his shackled hands onto the table to ease the weight, or as much as the chains would allow him. He looked at the woman he still loved and the girl who he treated as his own daughter. For the first time since Gendo could remember, he was lost for words. Every night he prayed for the opportunity to explain his actions to Yui and Rei. Now was the time and he didn't know what to do.
"Why?" Yui asked or more demanded.
"What... Why?" Yui's single statement confused Gendo further. "What you mean?"
Yui's palm slammed the tabletop and shocked Rei and Gendo. "You know what I mean! Why did you do it?" she demanded, standing and leaning over the table. She knew his time was coming and wanted some closure on what had transpired.
"Mother... perhaps you should calm down..." Rei advised.
"I am calm. I just want to know why this bastard thought it was in his best interest treat you and Shinji the way he did." Yui explained to Rei. "Explain yourself." she turned back to Gendo.
Gendo's heart was breaking. He hope during the five years that passed that Yui might have forgiven him, at the least calm down but it was not the case. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?" Yui asked again.
"Yui... Please..."
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" she screamed. "Don't you ever say my name again!"
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
[What the hell was I thinking?] Shinji cursed himself as he wandered the city streets. He paid no attention to the people and traffic buzzing around him [Why did I even come back to see him? Did I really think he would change after all this time? I'm an idiot...]
"I'm an idiot..." [But I wonder what the guard wanted from him?]
From the distance a Section Two Agent place on surveillance duties radioed in his discover "This is three. I have visual contact of the subject. Please advise."
-Roger that three. Maintain visual contact with subject but remain out of sight. Maintain radio contact.-
"Copy that. Three proceeding." The agent concealed his palm communicator back under his sleeve and started off in Shinji's direction.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – SECTION TWO
"Sir, the third has been sighted leaving the prison. Looks like your hunch was correct." The Section Two communications officer reported to Kaji.
"Excellent. I'll Inform the Commander and get more eyes on him. I don't want to loose him again." [I don't think the girls would even forgive me]
"Yes sir. Should I inform the Major and the Vice Commander?"
"Not yet. They may attempt to contact Shinji themselves. I don't want to scare him away."
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
"How are the diagnostic dry runs proceeding?" Ritsuko ask, not looking up from her clipboard.
"Going well, Ma'am." Aoba replied. "But I Mechelor seems to be running a 3% below the last run."
"That's strange... I doubled check the configuration prior to testing today." Huyga added from his console.
"That's fine. A 3% lag in performance isn't going to effect the dry run but after I'll like to run another config checklist on Melchior."
"Yes ma'am" Huyga and Aoba replied.
"Ma'am, where's Lt. Ibuki?" Huyga asked. "How did she get out of this?"
"Maya and Kensuke are with Unit Two performing some maintenance." Ritsuko replied. "Somehow I think she would prefer to be here." The head Nerv scientist was hinting that anything with Unit Two involved the second child, which was always... not easy.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – UNIT TWO HOLDING CAGE
Asuka tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the technicians and Maya to finish with her Unit Two. Actually she was more annoyed that the third stooge had been allowed access within ten feet of her Eva.
"What do you think your doing?" Asuka asked Kensuke as he fumbled some testing gear in his hands and nearly dropping it.
"What does it look like?" Kensuke fired back.
"It looks like you don't know what you're doing. I don't even know why Maya took you on as an apprentice. A monkey could do a better job."
"If you knew how to pilot an Eva properly we wouldn't have reconfigure it everything time you failed a sync test."
"Ok that's enough you two." Maya complained to Kensuke and Asuka. "Asuka why don't you wait outside the holding cage. We may be a while yet."
"What do you mean a while? You told me to change into my suit over an hour ago." Asuka said getting annoyed.
"For an Eva pilot, you're not very patient." Mana said from the hanger entrance. "You're very quick to anger."
"What the hell do you want sixth?"
"Misato is actually taking me on a tour of the facility."
"Well, shouldn't you be with her right now."
"She's actually on a conference call with China HQ. She asked me to wait for her here." Mana crossed the walkway, narrowing the gap between herself and Asuka. "So this is the famous Unit Two... Not as impressive as I thought it would be."
"What was that bitch?" Asuka spat. Having a Kensuke working on her Eva and the Mana bagging it had pushed her over the edge. "I don't see your piece of shit Unit anywhere?"
"Oh, you must be Kensuke Aide." Mana said ignoring Asuka's attack. "I'm Mana Kirishima, the sixth pilot." She bowed as she greeted the Nerv apprentice.
"It's nice to meet you Kirishima." Aide returned the bow. "Lt Ibuki informs me that your Unit is arriving tomorrow."
"That's right. The carrier stuck some rough seas and had to dock half way in South Korea for a couple of days." Maya said looking up from her laptop, which was still attached to Unit Two. "Have you settled in ok?"
"Yes, thank you Lt Ibuki. Misato has been very kind and helpful."
"And what about me?" Asuka asked trying to get herself in the conversation. "I've helped as well."
"Is that what you call helping? I guess it must be a German custom to treat people badly when they are a guest in your home. It's no wonder Shinji left." Mana replied smartly, knowing that 'Shinji' and her 'German' heritage would hit a soft spot.
"YOU FU... Mmmm..." Misato had just entered the holding cage and clamped her hand across Asuka's mouth. "That's enough you two! You're both Eva pilots and Nerv Officers." She said sternly.
"But Misato..." Mana tried to explain.
"But nothing! I don't want either of you talking about Shinji in that manner!" Misato released Asuka and swung around next to Mana. "Don't you ever use Shinji as one of your excuses for an argument!" Misato seethed at the two young women.
"Ahmen..." Maya coughed, trying to disrupt the tense mood between the Major and the two pilots. "We should be done in about 30mins, Asuka. Misato, would you and Mana like to stay for the test?"
"Well it's about time!" Asuka huffed as she walked away towards the ejected entry plug. "I'll show you how a real Eva pilot does it."
"Let it go, Mana" Misato advised as she placed a hand on the young women's shoulder, preventing another argument between the two pilots.
TOKYO 3 – CITY PRISON
"Answer my question, damn it!" Yui demanded as she slammed her hand onto the table again.
[I never knew she could be this... ferocious! Shinji actually did the same thing earlier. My God! Shinji! Should I tell her?]
Rei sensed that her adopted mother was slowly loosing control of her emotions. "Who visited you earlier today?" The albino girl asked Gendo.
"How do know I had a visitor?" Gendo answered a question with a question.
"The prison warden informed us. Answer the question please." Rei replied. Gendo only smirked back at the two women. This infuriated Yui further.
"What the hell are you smiling at!" she demanded. "Answer her question!" The door suddenly swung open revealing the prison guard. The Section Two agent ran in holding to ringing cell phones. "Ma'am, we have situation."
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
Shinji was too wrapped in his thoughts that he failed notice where he was walking. When he decided to look at his surrounds he was surprised fine himself outside Misato's apartment building.
"Subject is outside the Major's resident." The agent reported from a distance behind a parked car. "Advise course of action."
-Roger that three. Don't make contact the subject. Maintain visual contact from a distance.-
"This is Misato's place..." Shinji whispered to himself [May be I have say hello... That's stupid! What am I going say? Hi Misato, hi Asuka, long time no see...] "But her car isn't here..." Shinji noticed that her everlasting blue Renault was missing for her dedicated parking spot.
"I guess its next time then..." He said as he turned his back on his former home once again but the wailing of a familiar siren stopped him in his tracks. The siren brought back terrible memories of the past. Memories that he tried to bury deep within. It was the sound of a siren that the city of Tokyo 3 had not heard for over fives years and Shinji wished he never hear again. It was the sound of the Angel alert.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
"Status?" Fuyutsuki ordered as he assumed the commander position. "Who reported the alarm
"The JSSDF Air Patrol picked a large unidentified object of the coast." Huyga reported as he rapidly typed commands in his console. "We're at stage three alert. Evacuation procedures have started for civilians"
"Good. Do we have any more intel on the target?"
"Satellite feed should be in position in eight minutes."
"Sir. I have Major Katsuragi on the com." Aoba reported. "She's with the pilots and Unit Two. She's requesting permission to prep and ready to launch."
"Permission granted." Fuyutsuki replied Aoba. He activated his console to contact Kaji. "Kaji, have the Vice Commander and Rei returned?"
"I've already put the order through to their security escort." Kaji replied. "I've actually got some news..."
This prompted Kouzou to pick his handset and switch his console off speaker. "Have you found him?" The old man knew what the news that Kaji mention.
"Yeah... but the panic in streets is making it difficult to keep track."
"Do what you can. Have you told Yui?"
"No... I didn't want anyone Shinji knew trying to approach him blind sighted. You know how sensitive he is to these situations"
"Good. Keep me posted."
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
"Is it an Angel?" Yui enquired the driver as he punched the Nerv issued vehicle through the streets. "Damn it! What are the authorities doing?" It was the responsibility of the general authorities to evacuate civilians to the safety of the shelters but the number of people running aimlessly in streets told Yui that they were not doing their job and this annoyed her.
"Not sure ma'am. We were only ordered to ensure both your safety and to get back to headquarters." The driver replied has he dodged emergency vehicles and civilians trying to make their way to the closest shelter.
"Mother... I recommend that prepare the Evas for launch." Rei said calmly as she grabbed Yui's hand.
"What... what do you mean?"
"I can feel it..." Yui squeezed Rei's hand for reassurance, knowing what Rei was trying to say.
"It's alright sweetie... Ahhh!" The sudden stopping of the car stopped Yui mid sentence as it cause her to lunge forward.
"Get off the street you idiot!" The driver yelled as he used his horn. The other Section Two agent on the other hand took the time to look at the human obstruction. "Hey! Wait a minute!" he said grabbing his partner's hand of the horn.
Shinji looked into the car as it skidded to a stop a few metres away from him. He noticed the agent in the passenger seat grab a radio hand piece. Shinji then notice the Nerv insignia on the car bonnet and side doors.
Rei had managed to catch a glimpse of the young man that caused them to stop suddenly. Something about his eyes caught her. The dark ocean blue eyes that told so much about that person. Then the fact hit her like a sledge hammer [SHINJI!] Then without even thinking she flung her door open and bolted out.
"This is car one. We have sighted the third. Please advise." He agent spoke into the hand piece.
"Rei wait! It's dangerous!" Yui pleaded as the words of the agent slowly penetrated her ear. Her brain slowly started processing what he had said. "Third? Shinji? SHINJI!" Yui followed Rei out of the Nerv car.
Shinji's watched everything in slow motions as the passenger door open and a young women exited, rushing towards him. Even the people rushing around him seemed to move slowly. He focused on her red piercing eyes and froze on the spot "Rei?" he asked quietly as he got knocked to the ground by a group of people trying get a shelter.
"SHINJI!" Rei yelled as she tried to get to his side by pushing people aside but she was pulled backed by the force of the Section Two Agent assign to protect her. "What are you doing? RELEASE ME!" she screamed.
"REI! Where's Shinji?" Yui yelled as she followed her daughter through the crowds.
"In front of the car! In the crowd!" Rei struggled against the agent's hold. "Mother help him!"
Without thinking Yui ran towards the crowd in an attempt to reach her missing son but the second agent stopped her short. "Get back to the car!" he demanded.
"NO! THAT'S MY SON!" Yui screamed as he fought the hold of the agent.
"It's too dangerous! We have other agents watching him! Come on!" Yui could only look on as only saw the profile of a young man get up from the ground and fumble his way into the sea of people. She didn't even have the chance to have a good look her own son.
"NOOOOO! SHINJIIIII!" She screamed again.
[I'm sorry Rei... Please forgive me...] Shinji thought with tears flowing as he lost himself in the fear driven crowd.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – UNIT TWO HOLDING CAGE
"I want Unit Two prepped and ready in the catapult eleven in five minutes!" Misato ordered as the Nerv workers and technicians rushed around the red mecha. She was standing next to Asuka at the hatch of the entry plug
"What the hell is going on? Is it an Angel?" Asked Asuka.
"We're not sure. Ritsuko and the others is still trying to determine that." Misato said to the young German. "But Asuka... If it's an Angel... are you ready to..."
"Jez... Come on Misato. You know I was born ready. It's just like riding a bike" Asuka replied with her very present confidence.
"That's my girl" Misato said with pride as she kissed Asuka on the top of her head. "You be safe."
"Yes ma'am" Asuka replied mockingly as disappeared into the hatch.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER CENTRE
"Sir, we have the satellite feed on line. Putting it up and the main screen." Huyga said aloud.
Everyone was in awe at what was displayed. "My God... It's an Angel..." Aoba said with his eyes fixed on the screen. "Type orange! It's an Angel!"
"It's the return of the third... Sachiel." The commander said loud enough so everyone could hear. "How are the preparations for the Eva's proceeding?"
"Unit Two is in catapult eleven and standing by. Dr Akagi is with Units Zero and Three. They should be launch ready in ten minutes." Aoba replied.
"Ok! Unit Two is ready to... Is that what I think it is?" Misato exclaimed as she entered the control room.
"I'm afraid so Major. The translations were correct. This is the true war of the Angels and the Evangelions." Fuyutsuki answered Misato's question. "I want you to assist with Dr Akagi with Unit Zero and Three."
"Yes sir." Fuyutsuki's console beeped indicating that he had an incoming call. The LCD display indicated that it was Kaji.
"Fuyutski." He picked the handheld.
-Yui's and Rei just entered that compound.-
"Good work."
-Yui and Rei manage to spot Shinji in the street-
"What! Are you sure?" Misato was on her way to the holding cages when she over heard the commander's outburst and decided to keep one ear on the conversation.
-The agents assigned had to force them back into the car. Thought I better warn you.-
"Thanks. What happen to Shinji?" Misato's heart skipped a beat as she heard the name of the boy that she loved and care.
-He disappeared into the crowd, heading towards a shelter.-
"Alright... Do what you can." Fuyutsuki place the handheld down.
"WHAT'S HAPPEN TO SHINJI?" Misato yelled from the lower platform.
"Major?" Misato's presence and direct question had surprised him. [I have to get her to focus on the task at hand...] "I thought I gave you an order to assist Dr. Akagi with the two remaining Evas?"
"You mention Shinji's name. You had to be talking to Kaji! Tell me what's going on!" Misato raised her voice again getting the attention of the command centre.
"Major... You are out of line!" Responded Fuyutsuki. "We have an ..."
"MISATO! MISATO! We found him. You have to help me!" Yui screamed as she burst into the room. "He's out there! I have save him."
"Are you talking about Shinji?" Misato grabbed Yui by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.
"Yes! Section Two won't let me out. You have to help me."
"Vice Commander Ikari! Major Katsuragi!" Fuyutsuki voice boomed through the room. After he had their full attention he addressed them in a softer tone. "I know you both are concerned about Shinji but we have an Angel to deal with."
"The commander is right. Shinji knows how to take care of himself." Huyga added.
"But..."
"If we don't stop this Angel then Shinji and everyone in Tokyo 3 is going to die." Fuyutsuki finished, knowing that using 'Shinji' and 'die' in the same sentence would have an impact on the two women.
"Angel is within city limits. JSSDF are requesting what are intensions." Aoba informed everyone.
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREET
[Where hell am I going! What the hell am I doing!] Shinji's mind was in over drive after recognising Rei and the Angel warning signal. He had managed to duck into a side street and avoid the mad rush. He slumped against a large dumpster, trying to catch his breath [Why does this always happen to me? What's so special about me?] During his running, he had lost his bearings and was confused about his surroundings [I don't remember this part of Tokyo 3... I guess this must be some of the reconstruction they keep mentioning on the news] His eyes then spotted a Nerv logo painted on a heavy steel door. Hoping that it was a entrance to a shelter he rush to it and tried to push it open. The door was locked.
The wind suddenly picked up. It blew the scatted rubbish and newspapers that littered the street into the air. Shinji turned to the source of the wind when side of the building and side began to crack and buckle under an invisible force. Shinji fell to the ground shielding his eyes from flying debris. His eyes manage to spot a large figure in the building skyline. He recognised it as the first Angel he battled over fives years ago.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
"AT field detected." Huyga replied. "That's strange..."
"What is it?" the commander asked.
"The Magi are detecting irregularities in the composition of the field."
"I'll start an analysis." Yui said jumping to a console [I won't let this thing hurt my child!] "Are the Eva's ready to launch?"
Misato's face appeared on the main screen from the holding cages. "Rei's in her Eva. We are ready to launch." Fuyutsuki's talk had persuaded the two women to focus on the problem at hand.
"Deploy the Evas" Fuyutsuki ordered. Even though, Misato had tactical command of the Eva units, the final command to launch still came from the commander.
Asuka, Rei and Touji images appeared on the main screen next to Misato's. "Ok guys. We're sending you all the data we have the Angel. It seems to be the third Angel. All of you have reviewed the battle report from the previous encounter with the third Angel. Asuka and Rei you will be on the front line. Touji you're backup and to remain in launch ready."
"Roger." The three pilots replied.
"Major, can I suggest that we don't engage the target unless attacked. It is the third Angel but seems that we were correct about Angels being subject to instrumentality. We want to collect as much data from these new series of Angels." Yui requested.
"I concur with Dr. Ikari." Ritsuko's image appeared next to Misato's
"Alright, You guys got that?"
"Yeah, yeah... Don't kill it unless it tries to kill us." Asuka replied.
"Right... EVAS LAUNCH!"
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
Shinji couldn't believe what he saw and felt. He was reliving the hell from fives years ago. He snapped to when the angel lifted its arms and expanded it's AT field. Another nearby dumpster was hurled at his direction by the force. Shinji just managed to dive away as the metal torpedo smashed into the door that he was trying to open. As a result the dumpster broke the door off it's hinges and allowed Shinji access inside.
He crawled on his hands and knees until he could only hear the howling of the wind as it rushed against the exposed doorway. The hallway was poorly lit with only flood and emergency lights. Shinji noticed that the floor was wet and water leaked from the ceiling. Standing on his feet once again, he failed to notice a rushed grate below. Suddenly the rushed steel gave way and Shinji fell below. The last thing he remembered was hitting the back of his head on side of the grate as the darkness over came him.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
Misato, Ritsuko and Maya re entered the brain centre of Nerv with Kensuke and Mana in tow. Each person carried a different expression but all were concern for what was about to happen. Kensuke on the other hand was just trying keep the expensive monitoring gear he juggled in his hands from falling.
"Here, let me help." Mana offered, taking some of his load.
"Thanks." He replied, only now noticing the attractive emerald green eyes she had [She has really pretty eyes...]
Yui offered the console that she was sitting at back to Maya but opted to stay on the deck with everyone else. She believed that she could be of more help on the floor instead of a sidepiece next to Fuyutsuki. "I've started data collection." She said to Maya. It was oblivious to the experienced technician that something was on the mother's mind.
"Unit Two has reached the surface." Aoba said allowed. Everyone turned to the monitor to see the huge red mecha making it's way towards a weapons cache and pulling out a pallet rifle. "Unit Zero has reached the surface." The main monitor split screened and show Rei's Unit positioning itself with a sniper rifle.
"Status of the evacuation of the general population?" Yui asked.
"Shelters one to seven are locked down. Number eight 90% complete. Should be closed in 5 minutes." Huyga answered. His answer prompted Yui to turn and head straight for the nearest exit.
"Yui? Where are you going?" Fuyutsuki asked, surprised by the woman's actions.
"Where am I going? I'm going to find my son!" She replied a little angry and emotional. Those who missed her entrance to the commander centre earlier on looked at her with puzzled faces.
"Ah... Ms Ikari... What you do mean you're going to look for Shinji?" Kensuke asked.
"Shinji's in the city! I have to find him!" She replied to Kensuke.
"But Yui..." Fuyutsuki started
"You have more than enough resources here to handle the new Angel. I'm going to find my son!" She fired back without giving the new Commander a chance to finish.
"Ms Ikari wait." Mana spoke up. "I can go find him for you." Mana suddenly found herself the centre of attention. "I mean... you're needed here and I just feel like a spare tyre without my Eva. It's the least I could do."
"But..."
"Yui... Mana is right. We need you here. You'll be protecting Shinji from as well." Misato said trying to suppress her own urges to find Shinji herself. "Mana can take some security from Section Two in case there is trouble."
-Please stay mother...- Rei's voice echo through the speakers. Everyone had failed to notice the two Eva had turned on their communication devices. –I'm concerned for Shinji's welfare as well but this Angel poses a greater threat at the moment-
[My God... how could forget about Rei! Am I such a bad mother?] Yui doubted herself and eventually return to the platform.
-Well... since we have that over with, can I kill this thing? I'm getting hungry- Asuka said.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – AIR VENT SYSTEM
Shinji's lifeless body slid down the shaft. He would hit the sides and tear his clothes. His dark journey ended when he collided with another grate covering but this one had light penetrating from below it. This grate looked like it would support Shinji's weight but it gave way eventually. His body flew through a large open area and then made contact with a body water. He caused a mighty splash and sent ripples across its smooth surface. Then like an anchor he sank.
All seemed lost when a large mechanical hand reached into the water like a crane and pulled the young man from a certain death of drowning. The hand held onto Shinji like it was a feather as the water drained through its steel fingers.
A bright yellow haze filled the room as Unit One eyes flashed, signalling that the monster was once again awake. It had broken the bakelite storage to rescue its former pilot. It continued to hold Shinji like it was frozen on that command. The ripples in LCL slowly dissipated as the quiet and coolness returned to the holding cage.
Shinji had somehow made his way to Unit One once again. Fate had somehow continued to bring these two together. But was it fate or a curse...
END CHAPTER 7
AUTHOR'S NOTES
An absolute big thank you to all the positive reviews! I never thought I would reach 50 reviews! I have taken some suggestion on aboard which I hope will make the reading of the fic more enjoyable (at the very least easier). I was pumped about getting 50 reviews and it motivated me to get chapter seven done for you reading pleasure.
I wanted to end the fic without Shinji being saved by Unit One but I thought that would be too cliché. The hero falls into oblivion and a big 'to be continue' appears didn't sit too well with me.
I also got an email about the Shinji's love interest in the fic. To let everyone know, I haven't really decided yet. When I was planning the story I had a particular pairing in mind but this changed as I read your reviews and more ideas popped in my head. I may get shot for his but I rather you guys read the story and find out as things progress. After all it's all part of the ride and I have to keep something up my sleeve to keep you guys coming back.
Thanks, wonga316
CHAPTER 07
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...)
TOKYO 3 – CITY PRISON
"Yui... Rei..." Gendo gasp.
Rei stood from her seat and greeted the former Nerv Commander "Mr. Ikari." She said in her monotone manner. Yui remained seated and addressed the man by his proper name. "Rokubungi" her resentment towards Gendo was still evident.
The prison guards directed Gendo to the single vacant chair and then left the room. Gendo slowly placed his shackled hands onto the table to ease the weight, or as much as the chains would allow him. He looked at the woman he still loved and the girl who he treated as his own daughter. For the first time since Gendo could remember, he was lost for words. Every night he prayed for the opportunity to explain his actions to Yui and Rei. Now was the time and he didn't know what to do.
"Why?" Yui asked or more demanded.
"What... Why?" Yui's single statement confused Gendo further. "What you mean?"
Yui's palm slammed the tabletop and shocked Rei and Gendo. "You know what I mean! Why did you do it?" she demanded, standing and leaning over the table. She knew his time was coming and wanted some closure on what had transpired.
"Mother... perhaps you should calm down..." Rei advised.
"I am calm. I just want to know why this bastard thought it was in his best interest treat you and Shinji the way he did." Yui explained to Rei. "Explain yourself." she turned back to Gendo.
Gendo's heart was breaking. He hope during the five years that passed that Yui might have forgiven him, at the least calm down but it was not the case. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?" Yui asked again.
"Yui... Please..."
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" she screamed. "Don't you ever say my name again!"
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
[What the hell was I thinking?] Shinji cursed himself as he wandered the city streets. He paid no attention to the people and traffic buzzing around him [Why did I even come back to see him? Did I really think he would change after all this time? I'm an idiot...]
"I'm an idiot..." [But I wonder what the guard wanted from him?]
From the distance a Section Two Agent place on surveillance duties radioed in his discover "This is three. I have visual contact of the subject. Please advise."
-Roger that three. Maintain visual contact with subject but remain out of sight. Maintain radio contact.-
"Copy that. Three proceeding." The agent concealed his palm communicator back under his sleeve and started off in Shinji's direction.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – SECTION TWO
"Sir, the third has been sighted leaving the prison. Looks like your hunch was correct." The Section Two communications officer reported to Kaji.
"Excellent. I'll Inform the Commander and get more eyes on him. I don't want to loose him again." [I don't think the girls would even forgive me]
"Yes sir. Should I inform the Major and the Vice Commander?"
"Not yet. They may attempt to contact Shinji themselves. I don't want to scare him away."
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
"How are the diagnostic dry runs proceeding?" Ritsuko ask, not looking up from her clipboard.
"Going well, Ma'am." Aoba replied. "But I Mechelor seems to be running a 3% below the last run."
"That's strange... I doubled check the configuration prior to testing today." Huyga added from his console.
"That's fine. A 3% lag in performance isn't going to effect the dry run but after I'll like to run another config checklist on Melchior."
"Yes ma'am" Huyga and Aoba replied.
"Ma'am, where's Lt. Ibuki?" Huyga asked. "How did she get out of this?"
"Maya and Kensuke are with Unit Two performing some maintenance." Ritsuko replied. "Somehow I think she would prefer to be here." The head Nerv scientist was hinting that anything with Unit Two involved the second child, which was always... not easy.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – UNIT TWO HOLDING CAGE
Asuka tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the technicians and Maya to finish with her Unit Two. Actually she was more annoyed that the third stooge had been allowed access within ten feet of her Eva.
"What do you think your doing?" Asuka asked Kensuke as he fumbled some testing gear in his hands and nearly dropping it.
"What does it look like?" Kensuke fired back.
"It looks like you don't know what you're doing. I don't even know why Maya took you on as an apprentice. A monkey could do a better job."
"If you knew how to pilot an Eva properly we wouldn't have reconfigure it everything time you failed a sync test."
"Ok that's enough you two." Maya complained to Kensuke and Asuka. "Asuka why don't you wait outside the holding cage. We may be a while yet."
"What do you mean a while? You told me to change into my suit over an hour ago." Asuka said getting annoyed.
"For an Eva pilot, you're not very patient." Mana said from the hanger entrance. "You're very quick to anger."
"What the hell do you want sixth?"
"Misato is actually taking me on a tour of the facility."
"Well, shouldn't you be with her right now."
"She's actually on a conference call with China HQ. She asked me to wait for her here." Mana crossed the walkway, narrowing the gap between herself and Asuka. "So this is the famous Unit Two... Not as impressive as I thought it would be."
"What was that bitch?" Asuka spat. Having a Kensuke working on her Eva and the Mana bagging it had pushed her over the edge. "I don't see your piece of shit Unit anywhere?"
"Oh, you must be Kensuke Aide." Mana said ignoring Asuka's attack. "I'm Mana Kirishima, the sixth pilot." She bowed as she greeted the Nerv apprentice.
"It's nice to meet you Kirishima." Aide returned the bow. "Lt Ibuki informs me that your Unit is arriving tomorrow."
"That's right. The carrier stuck some rough seas and had to dock half way in South Korea for a couple of days." Maya said looking up from her laptop, which was still attached to Unit Two. "Have you settled in ok?"
"Yes, thank you Lt Ibuki. Misato has been very kind and helpful."
"And what about me?" Asuka asked trying to get herself in the conversation. "I've helped as well."
"Is that what you call helping? I guess it must be a German custom to treat people badly when they are a guest in your home. It's no wonder Shinji left." Mana replied smartly, knowing that 'Shinji' and her 'German' heritage would hit a soft spot.
"YOU FU... Mmmm..." Misato had just entered the holding cage and clamped her hand across Asuka's mouth. "That's enough you two! You're both Eva pilots and Nerv Officers." She said sternly.
"But Misato..." Mana tried to explain.
"But nothing! I don't want either of you talking about Shinji in that manner!" Misato released Asuka and swung around next to Mana. "Don't you ever use Shinji as one of your excuses for an argument!" Misato seethed at the two young women.
"Ahmen..." Maya coughed, trying to disrupt the tense mood between the Major and the two pilots. "We should be done in about 30mins, Asuka. Misato, would you and Mana like to stay for the test?"
"Well it's about time!" Asuka huffed as she walked away towards the ejected entry plug. "I'll show you how a real Eva pilot does it."
"Let it go, Mana" Misato advised as she placed a hand on the young women's shoulder, preventing another argument between the two pilots.
TOKYO 3 – CITY PRISON
"Answer my question, damn it!" Yui demanded as she slammed her hand onto the table again.
[I never knew she could be this... ferocious! Shinji actually did the same thing earlier. My God! Shinji! Should I tell her?]
Rei sensed that her adopted mother was slowly loosing control of her emotions. "Who visited you earlier today?" The albino girl asked Gendo.
"How do know I had a visitor?" Gendo answered a question with a question.
"The prison warden informed us. Answer the question please." Rei replied. Gendo only smirked back at the two women. This infuriated Yui further.
"What the hell are you smiling at!" she demanded. "Answer her question!" The door suddenly swung open revealing the prison guard. The Section Two agent ran in holding to ringing cell phones. "Ma'am, we have situation."
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
Shinji was too wrapped in his thoughts that he failed notice where he was walking. When he decided to look at his surrounds he was surprised fine himself outside Misato's apartment building.
"Subject is outside the Major's resident." The agent reported from a distance behind a parked car. "Advise course of action."
-Roger that three. Don't make contact the subject. Maintain visual contact from a distance.-
"This is Misato's place..." Shinji whispered to himself [May be I have say hello... That's stupid! What am I going say? Hi Misato, hi Asuka, long time no see...] "But her car isn't here..." Shinji noticed that her everlasting blue Renault was missing for her dedicated parking spot.
"I guess its next time then..." He said as he turned his back on his former home once again but the wailing of a familiar siren stopped him in his tracks. The siren brought back terrible memories of the past. Memories that he tried to bury deep within. It was the sound of a siren that the city of Tokyo 3 had not heard for over fives years and Shinji wished he never hear again. It was the sound of the Angel alert.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
"Status?" Fuyutsuki ordered as he assumed the commander position. "Who reported the alarm
"The JSSDF Air Patrol picked a large unidentified object of the coast." Huyga reported as he rapidly typed commands in his console. "We're at stage three alert. Evacuation procedures have started for civilians"
"Good. Do we have any more intel on the target?"
"Satellite feed should be in position in eight minutes."
"Sir. I have Major Katsuragi on the com." Aoba reported. "She's with the pilots and Unit Two. She's requesting permission to prep and ready to launch."
"Permission granted." Fuyutsuki replied Aoba. He activated his console to contact Kaji. "Kaji, have the Vice Commander and Rei returned?"
"I've already put the order through to their security escort." Kaji replied. "I've actually got some news..."
This prompted Kouzou to pick his handset and switch his console off speaker. "Have you found him?" The old man knew what the news that Kaji mention.
"Yeah... but the panic in streets is making it difficult to keep track."
"Do what you can. Have you told Yui?"
"No... I didn't want anyone Shinji knew trying to approach him blind sighted. You know how sensitive he is to these situations"
"Good. Keep me posted."
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
"Is it an Angel?" Yui enquired the driver as he punched the Nerv issued vehicle through the streets. "Damn it! What are the authorities doing?" It was the responsibility of the general authorities to evacuate civilians to the safety of the shelters but the number of people running aimlessly in streets told Yui that they were not doing their job and this annoyed her.
"Not sure ma'am. We were only ordered to ensure both your safety and to get back to headquarters." The driver replied has he dodged emergency vehicles and civilians trying to make their way to the closest shelter.
"Mother... I recommend that prepare the Evas for launch." Rei said calmly as she grabbed Yui's hand.
"What... what do you mean?"
"I can feel it..." Yui squeezed Rei's hand for reassurance, knowing what Rei was trying to say.
"It's alright sweetie... Ahhh!" The sudden stopping of the car stopped Yui mid sentence as it cause her to lunge forward.
"Get off the street you idiot!" The driver yelled as he used his horn. The other Section Two agent on the other hand took the time to look at the human obstruction. "Hey! Wait a minute!" he said grabbing his partner's hand of the horn.
Shinji looked into the car as it skidded to a stop a few metres away from him. He noticed the agent in the passenger seat grab a radio hand piece. Shinji then notice the Nerv insignia on the car bonnet and side doors.
Rei had managed to catch a glimpse of the young man that caused them to stop suddenly. Something about his eyes caught her. The dark ocean blue eyes that told so much about that person. Then the fact hit her like a sledge hammer [SHINJI!] Then without even thinking she flung her door open and bolted out.
"This is car one. We have sighted the third. Please advise." He agent spoke into the hand piece.
"Rei wait! It's dangerous!" Yui pleaded as the words of the agent slowly penetrated her ear. Her brain slowly started processing what he had said. "Third? Shinji? SHINJI!" Yui followed Rei out of the Nerv car.
Shinji's watched everything in slow motions as the passenger door open and a young women exited, rushing towards him. Even the people rushing around him seemed to move slowly. He focused on her red piercing eyes and froze on the spot "Rei?" he asked quietly as he got knocked to the ground by a group of people trying get a shelter.
"SHINJI!" Rei yelled as she tried to get to his side by pushing people aside but she was pulled backed by the force of the Section Two Agent assign to protect her. "What are you doing? RELEASE ME!" she screamed.
"REI! Where's Shinji?" Yui yelled as she followed her daughter through the crowds.
"In front of the car! In the crowd!" Rei struggled against the agent's hold. "Mother help him!"
Without thinking Yui ran towards the crowd in an attempt to reach her missing son but the second agent stopped her short. "Get back to the car!" he demanded.
"NO! THAT'S MY SON!" Yui screamed as he fought the hold of the agent.
"It's too dangerous! We have other agents watching him! Come on!" Yui could only look on as only saw the profile of a young man get up from the ground and fumble his way into the sea of people. She didn't even have the chance to have a good look her own son.
"NOOOOO! SHINJIIIII!" She screamed again.
[I'm sorry Rei... Please forgive me...] Shinji thought with tears flowing as he lost himself in the fear driven crowd.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – UNIT TWO HOLDING CAGE
"I want Unit Two prepped and ready in the catapult eleven in five minutes!" Misato ordered as the Nerv workers and technicians rushed around the red mecha. She was standing next to Asuka at the hatch of the entry plug
"What the hell is going on? Is it an Angel?" Asked Asuka.
"We're not sure. Ritsuko and the others is still trying to determine that." Misato said to the young German. "But Asuka... If it's an Angel... are you ready to..."
"Jez... Come on Misato. You know I was born ready. It's just like riding a bike" Asuka replied with her very present confidence.
"That's my girl" Misato said with pride as she kissed Asuka on the top of her head. "You be safe."
"Yes ma'am" Asuka replied mockingly as disappeared into the hatch.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER CENTRE
"Sir, we have the satellite feed on line. Putting it up and the main screen." Huyga said aloud.
Everyone was in awe at what was displayed. "My God... It's an Angel..." Aoba said with his eyes fixed on the screen. "Type orange! It's an Angel!"
"It's the return of the third... Sachiel." The commander said loud enough so everyone could hear. "How are the preparations for the Eva's proceeding?"
"Unit Two is in catapult eleven and standing by. Dr Akagi is with Units Zero and Three. They should be launch ready in ten minutes." Aoba replied.
"Ok! Unit Two is ready to... Is that what I think it is?" Misato exclaimed as she entered the control room.
"I'm afraid so Major. The translations were correct. This is the true war of the Angels and the Evangelions." Fuyutsuki answered Misato's question. "I want you to assist with Dr Akagi with Unit Zero and Three."
"Yes sir." Fuyutsuki's console beeped indicating that he had an incoming call. The LCD display indicated that it was Kaji.
"Fuyutski." He picked the handheld.
-Yui's and Rei just entered that compound.-
"Good work."
-Yui and Rei manage to spot Shinji in the street-
"What! Are you sure?" Misato was on her way to the holding cages when she over heard the commander's outburst and decided to keep one ear on the conversation.
-The agents assigned had to force them back into the car. Thought I better warn you.-
"Thanks. What happen to Shinji?" Misato's heart skipped a beat as she heard the name of the boy that she loved and care.
-He disappeared into the crowd, heading towards a shelter.-
"Alright... Do what you can." Fuyutsuki place the handheld down.
"WHAT'S HAPPEN TO SHINJI?" Misato yelled from the lower platform.
"Major?" Misato's presence and direct question had surprised him. [I have to get her to focus on the task at hand...] "I thought I gave you an order to assist Dr. Akagi with the two remaining Evas?"
"You mention Shinji's name. You had to be talking to Kaji! Tell me what's going on!" Misato raised her voice again getting the attention of the command centre.
"Major... You are out of line!" Responded Fuyutsuki. "We have an ..."
"MISATO! MISATO! We found him. You have to help me!" Yui screamed as she burst into the room. "He's out there! I have save him."
"Are you talking about Shinji?" Misato grabbed Yui by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.
"Yes! Section Two won't let me out. You have to help me."
"Vice Commander Ikari! Major Katsuragi!" Fuyutsuki voice boomed through the room. After he had their full attention he addressed them in a softer tone. "I know you both are concerned about Shinji but we have an Angel to deal with."
"The commander is right. Shinji knows how to take care of himself." Huyga added.
"But..."
"If we don't stop this Angel then Shinji and everyone in Tokyo 3 is going to die." Fuyutsuki finished, knowing that using 'Shinji' and 'die' in the same sentence would have an impact on the two women.
"Angel is within city limits. JSSDF are requesting what are intensions." Aoba informed everyone.
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREET
[Where hell am I going! What the hell am I doing!] Shinji's mind was in over drive after recognising Rei and the Angel warning signal. He had managed to duck into a side street and avoid the mad rush. He slumped against a large dumpster, trying to catch his breath [Why does this always happen to me? What's so special about me?] During his running, he had lost his bearings and was confused about his surroundings [I don't remember this part of Tokyo 3... I guess this must be some of the reconstruction they keep mentioning on the news] His eyes then spotted a Nerv logo painted on a heavy steel door. Hoping that it was a entrance to a shelter he rush to it and tried to push it open. The door was locked.
The wind suddenly picked up. It blew the scatted rubbish and newspapers that littered the street into the air. Shinji turned to the source of the wind when side of the building and side began to crack and buckle under an invisible force. Shinji fell to the ground shielding his eyes from flying debris. His eyes manage to spot a large figure in the building skyline. He recognised it as the first Angel he battled over fives years ago.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
"AT field detected." Huyga replied. "That's strange..."
"What is it?" the commander asked.
"The Magi are detecting irregularities in the composition of the field."
"I'll start an analysis." Yui said jumping to a console [I won't let this thing hurt my child!] "Are the Eva's ready to launch?"
Misato's face appeared on the main screen from the holding cages. "Rei's in her Eva. We are ready to launch." Fuyutsuki's talk had persuaded the two women to focus on the problem at hand.
"Deploy the Evas" Fuyutsuki ordered. Even though, Misato had tactical command of the Eva units, the final command to launch still came from the commander.
Asuka, Rei and Touji images appeared on the main screen next to Misato's. "Ok guys. We're sending you all the data we have the Angel. It seems to be the third Angel. All of you have reviewed the battle report from the previous encounter with the third Angel. Asuka and Rei you will be on the front line. Touji you're backup and to remain in launch ready."
"Roger." The three pilots replied.
"Major, can I suggest that we don't engage the target unless attacked. It is the third Angel but seems that we were correct about Angels being subject to instrumentality. We want to collect as much data from these new series of Angels." Yui requested.
"I concur with Dr. Ikari." Ritsuko's image appeared next to Misato's
"Alright, You guys got that?"
"Yeah, yeah... Don't kill it unless it tries to kill us." Asuka replied.
"Right... EVAS LAUNCH!"
TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS
Shinji couldn't believe what he saw and felt. He was reliving the hell from fives years ago. He snapped to when the angel lifted its arms and expanded it's AT field. Another nearby dumpster was hurled at his direction by the force. Shinji just managed to dive away as the metal torpedo smashed into the door that he was trying to open. As a result the dumpster broke the door off it's hinges and allowed Shinji access inside.
He crawled on his hands and knees until he could only hear the howling of the wind as it rushed against the exposed doorway. The hallway was poorly lit with only flood and emergency lights. Shinji noticed that the floor was wet and water leaked from the ceiling. Standing on his feet once again, he failed to notice a rushed grate below. Suddenly the rushed steel gave way and Shinji fell below. The last thing he remembered was hitting the back of his head on side of the grate as the darkness over came him.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
Misato, Ritsuko and Maya re entered the brain centre of Nerv with Kensuke and Mana in tow. Each person carried a different expression but all were concern for what was about to happen. Kensuke on the other hand was just trying keep the expensive monitoring gear he juggled in his hands from falling.
"Here, let me help." Mana offered, taking some of his load.
"Thanks." He replied, only now noticing the attractive emerald green eyes she had [She has really pretty eyes...]
Yui offered the console that she was sitting at back to Maya but opted to stay on the deck with everyone else. She believed that she could be of more help on the floor instead of a sidepiece next to Fuyutsuki. "I've started data collection." She said to Maya. It was oblivious to the experienced technician that something was on the mother's mind.
"Unit Two has reached the surface." Aoba said allowed. Everyone turned to the monitor to see the huge red mecha making it's way towards a weapons cache and pulling out a pallet rifle. "Unit Zero has reached the surface." The main monitor split screened and show Rei's Unit positioning itself with a sniper rifle.
"Status of the evacuation of the general population?" Yui asked.
"Shelters one to seven are locked down. Number eight 90% complete. Should be closed in 5 minutes." Huyga answered. His answer prompted Yui to turn and head straight for the nearest exit.
"Yui? Where are you going?" Fuyutsuki asked, surprised by the woman's actions.
"Where am I going? I'm going to find my son!" She replied a little angry and emotional. Those who missed her entrance to the commander centre earlier on looked at her with puzzled faces.
"Ah... Ms Ikari... What you do mean you're going to look for Shinji?" Kensuke asked.
"Shinji's in the city! I have to find him!" She replied to Kensuke.
"But Yui..." Fuyutsuki started
"You have more than enough resources here to handle the new Angel. I'm going to find my son!" She fired back without giving the new Commander a chance to finish.
"Ms Ikari wait." Mana spoke up. "I can go find him for you." Mana suddenly found herself the centre of attention. "I mean... you're needed here and I just feel like a spare tyre without my Eva. It's the least I could do."
"But..."
"Yui... Mana is right. We need you here. You'll be protecting Shinji from as well." Misato said trying to suppress her own urges to find Shinji herself. "Mana can take some security from Section Two in case there is trouble."
-Please stay mother...- Rei's voice echo through the speakers. Everyone had failed to notice the two Eva had turned on their communication devices. –I'm concerned for Shinji's welfare as well but this Angel poses a greater threat at the moment-
[My God... how could forget about Rei! Am I such a bad mother?] Yui doubted herself and eventually return to the platform.
-Well... since we have that over with, can I kill this thing? I'm getting hungry- Asuka said.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – AIR VENT SYSTEM
Shinji's lifeless body slid down the shaft. He would hit the sides and tear his clothes. His dark journey ended when he collided with another grate covering but this one had light penetrating from below it. This grate looked like it would support Shinji's weight but it gave way eventually. His body flew through a large open area and then made contact with a body water. He caused a mighty splash and sent ripples across its smooth surface. Then like an anchor he sank.
All seemed lost when a large mechanical hand reached into the water like a crane and pulled the young man from a certain death of drowning. The hand held onto Shinji like it was a feather as the water drained through its steel fingers.
A bright yellow haze filled the room as Unit One eyes flashed, signalling that the monster was once again awake. It had broken the bakelite storage to rescue its former pilot. It continued to hold Shinji like it was frozen on that command. The ripples in LCL slowly dissipated as the quiet and coolness returned to the holding cage.
Shinji had somehow made his way to Unit One once again. Fate had somehow continued to bring these two together. But was it fate or a curse...
END CHAPTER 7
AUTHOR'S NOTES
An absolute big thank you to all the positive reviews! I never thought I would reach 50 reviews! I have taken some suggestion on aboard which I hope will make the reading of the fic more enjoyable (at the very least easier). I was pumped about getting 50 reviews and it motivated me to get chapter seven done for you reading pleasure.
I wanted to end the fic without Shinji being saved by Unit One but I thought that would be too cliché. The hero falls into oblivion and a big 'to be continue' appears didn't sit too well with me.
I also got an email about the Shinji's love interest in the fic. To let everyone know, I haven't really decided yet. When I was planning the story I had a particular pairing in mind but this changed as I read your reviews and more ideas popped in my head. I may get shot for his but I rather you guys read the story and find out as things progress. After all it's all part of the ride and I have to keep something up my sleeve to keep you guys coming back.
Thanks, wonga316
