TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 19
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 – 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 two movies / episodes and Touji 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. Big thank you and applause to NateGold who proofread.
"…" Normal speech
'…' Thoughts
(…) Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean…)
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Kaji stared at the ceiling like a bored child, waiting. The Commander was currently reading his report of the incident at the Keel residence, which led to Shinji's shooting.
"You realise the possible repercussions from the allegations in your report?" Fuyutsuki pointed to the section at the end of the report.
"I'm not entirely sure what you mean Commander?" Kaji threw off his tedium and focused on the older man in front of him. "I just stated what was required in the report – An unbiased finding based on facts of the events that occurred."
"The Vice Commander and Major will not be very impressed with your findings."
"I've said along that I'm only interested in finding the truth. What people do or how they perceive that truth is not in my control."
"But there are other ways to let the truth be known." Fuyutsuki pinched the bridge of his nose; it was a sign that the day had taken its toll on the commander. "Less troublesome ways…"
"Ah… yes but troublesome for whom?" The sound of the office door opening and someone entering the room interrupted them.
"I'm sorry sir." The secretary said trying to stop the man. "The commander is with someone at the moment…"
"That's fine let him through." Fuyutsuki told his secretary and waved her away.
"Ah, this is convenient. It'll save me from looking for the both of you." The man said casually, taking the other chair next to Kaji.
"I take it that this isn't a committee schedule inspection." Asked Kaji.
"No Agent Kaji." Chairman Keel replied. "And I'm not here to arrest the Vice Commander. We have more pressing matters to discuss." He looked in Fuyutsuki's direction. "Matters that relate to young Mr. Ikari and… his father…"
This brought a grin to Kaji's face and caused the Commander to raise an eyebrow as Chairman Keel continued.
"I won't bore you with the minor details leading up to today because I'm sure that you are well aware of what has been occurred…"
"I do have one question before you continue." Kouzou interrupted. "Did you intentionally have your man swap the data box from Unit One with another that was infected with an Angel?" His question caused a silent to fall between the three men.
"It's true that I arranged for the data logger from Unit One to be replaced but the Angel was not of my or SEELE's doing."
"Why take the box in the first place? I would have happily co operated if you had requested it formally through the proper channels."
"Yes that would have been the best way." Keel decided to get up from his chair and walk over to the observation window. "But you see, I didn't know how far Gendo's influence still ran within NERV."
"What do you mean by influence?" Kaji asked.
"I originally believed that Gendo had someone within NERV providing him with information but this wasn't true." He stopped and noticed that security camera positioned high in the corner of the room. It brought a small smile to his face. "I underestimated him and as a consequence he managed to persuade my agent to side with him."
"If this is case why not use the resources of SEELE and end it."
"That could still be a possible solution but due to the increased media coverage of SEELE and NERV, the committee members are afraid that any underhanded tactics or dirty work would come to light and cause a PR nightmare."
"I see." Fuyutsuki got up from his chair. "The members have distanced themselves from this situation fearing that their reputations will be tarnished." He walked over to the window and was now standing next to Keel.
"Now he has stepped up his activities." The chairman said. "The incident a couple of weeks ago at my residence was his doing as well." Both NERV members turned to face Keel. "You might have been led to believe that it was a SEELE security team that opened fire on us but that's not true. They were Gendo's sympathisers."
"You will have excuse my bluntness but why should we believe a thing that you have said?" Kaji asked. "How do we know that SEELE isn't up to its old tricks again?"
"You are not looking at the whole picture. This isn't about a power struggle or a desire for world domination. He seeks to destroy the world."
"What?"
"He's obsessed with the idea of becoming a God. First he thought that it could be achieved by creating Rei but when she proved to be more human than Angel this failed. Now he intends on using Shinji as a catalyst to the end."
"Why Shinji? How is he different from Rei?" asked Kaji.
"It's Shinji's bond to Unit One." Fuyutsuki answered. "Unit One is a copy of Lilith and the bond links Shinji to Lilith."
NERV APARTMENTS – SHINJI'S BEDROOM
After the Aya/ Misato confrontation, Yui dissolved the tension by asking Asuka to take Shinji back to his room and the others to help with clean- up. The German, at first inclined to gloat on her minor victory over Mana reconsidered in view of the rare opportunity to spend time alone with Shinji.
'What are you doing Asuka?' She berated herself. 'You can't be thinking like that in his condition!'
"Ah… Asuka…"
'But this is perfect…after all, he's not exactly able to run away…"
"Asuka, can you move?" the young red head was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she had forgotten what she was doing. Currently, she was standing in front of his wheel chair blocking his path to the bed. Abruptly she got out of the way, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Do you need a hand?" she asked nervously.
"I think I'm OK." As Shinji pushed himself up, the wheel chair began to roll backwards due to the safety stops not being applied. Asuka saw the fall about to happen and rushed to catch him. She underestimated his weight and didn't count on him grabbing onto her for support. As a result, Shinji pulled her down onto the ground. She ended up on top of him with a stray arm around her waist.
"Oh man…" Shinji clutched the back of his head with his other hand. "I'm sorry about that. Are you alright?"
"Yeah…" was all she could whisper as she felt his torso against hers. His body heat radiated though his thin shirt and his arm around her waist gave her a feeling that she hadn't felt in a long time. She felt safe and let herself relax into his body. Shinji could feel her begin to nuzzle his neck.
"Umm, Asuka." Shinji said quietly. "You can get off me now."
" And who says I want to?" Her voice took on a smoky note, almost purring. Her lips delicately kissed a line up his neck before starting to nibble on his ear, causing him to gasp in shocked pleasure.
'Is she serious?'
NERV APARTMENTS – IKARI KITCHEN
An uncomfortable silence fell in the kitchen as Yui and Misato washed while Rei dried. The Major had decided to vent her frustrations on the dishes. "You should really get your dish washer fixed."
"I've already informed the building supervisor and he'll be in tomorrow morning to have a look." Yui replied simply. "Can I ask what's bothering you so much?"
"Nothing." she thumped the bowl in the water causing the detergent to splash up onto her shirt. "Shit!" The scene brought a small smile to the Vice- Commander's face, which didn't go unnoticed by Misato.
"I'm glad that you find this amusing." She grabbed the nearest tea towel and began wiping away the mess.
"You shouldn't let it get to you. Ritsuko told me as well."
"She did! And you're not upset." Misato was surprised about the fact.
"I'll admit that I was angry and upset in the beginning that someone tried to hurt Shinji but…"
"But what?"
"I trust Shinji and believe that he'll always do the right thing. What ever he did, he had a good reason."
"I'll admit that you're taking it better than I am." Yui placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I appreciate everything that you have done for Shinji and the care that you have shown him. But there comes a time when you have to let your children go. Shinji isn't a helpless child anymore. He's become a man who I'm proud to call my son."
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER'S OFFICE
"So how is our hero doing?" Keel asked changing the mood of the conversation.
"The Vice Commander rang earlier on saying that he's awake." Fuyutsuki answered.
"That's good new. Do they suspect anything in regards to Gendo?"
"Most likely not. Shinji seems to have the majority of the female staff throwing themselves at him." Kaji's voice carried a hint of bitterness.
"Sounds like you're a little jealous of him having the attention of a certain NERV Major."
"I've always encouraged the competition. It keeps me on my toes." The Section Two leader always had to have the last word on anything. "In any case; I'd better head off. I'll arrange for double security around the apartments." As he went to the door, a familiar alert sounded throughout the facility.
NERV APARTMENTS – SHINJI'S BEDROOM
"Asuka. Asuka…" Shinji tried to gently move her away, but found his hands each time encountering something soft that resulted in an increase of blood flow south of the border. Asuka was conscious of this as well, and pressed in more closely; the drone of the Angel alert was the last thing on her mind.
"Mmmm, Shin-kun. Aren't you enjoying this…?"
"Well... yeah, but…Shinji struggled with his words then decided to change the subject. "Don't you hear the alert?" His question caused her to push herself up and look into his eyes. Suddenly the door flew open on its hinges.
"Asuka!" It was Misato. "What's taking so long? Don't you hear…?" She took one look at the scene before and her mischievous mind began ticking over. "Oh, now I can see why you didn't hear the alarm."
"It's not what you think." Asuka replied sitting up from Shinji but still straddling him with her legs.
"I always thought that you could do something like this but never knew that Shinji was that type of person." Shinji propped himself up on his elbows. "I'm impressed but a little disappointed. I thought that you would have better taste in women." Shinji saw Asuka's eye twitch from Misato's cheap shot. "I mean why Asuka when you could have something like this." She walked over and posed sexily.
"Nothing happened." He stated flatly. "I fell over and she was helping me back up." Just then Yui poked her head into the room.
"Oh my… Isn't this interesting."
Shinji gave up and let his head hit the floor again 'Oh, isn't this just perfect. Asuka's on top of me and Misato's posing like a pinup model.'
Yui could see the exasperation on her son's face and could only smile. "Ladies, you'll have plenty of time to play with Shinji after. That alert isn't sounding for just anything." She turned to her son. "We have to go now. Aya will still be around if you need anything." He nodded and gently shifted out from underneath Asuka. They were all quite surprised at the ease with which he managed to climb into bed after everything he had been through.
"You have to rest up now Shin-chan. Your mother said we could play later." Misato ended her statement with a wink and walked out. Yui followed out the front door leaving Asuka and Shinji alone.
"I'm sorry about before… I… I…" It was strange for Shinji to see Asuka like this – uncharacteristic, shy and apologetic. Deciding that retreating was the best option she quickly turned for the door but was stopped when Shinji grabbed her hand.
"Asuka…" Shinji started and she turned to face him. "Be careful ok."
"Yeah…" She quickly leaned in, planting a soft kiss on his lips. "I'll be back to pick where we left off." She ran out of the room and apartment leaving Shinji to ponder about what had just happen. Outside she confronted the three dominant adult females in Shinji's life – Yui, Misato and Aya.
"Ok! Spill it!" Misato demanded like a giddy schoolgirl. "I saw you and Shinji. I want to know everything, all the juicy stuff."
"I don't kiss and tell." The red head replied proudly. "Unlike some people; I don't like to make my affairs of the bedroom known to the public" Asuka remembered on more than one occasion when Misato was in her old drinking mode, she would tease and recount her collages days with Kaji. Yui gave a little grin at light banter between the two women who always acted more like sisters everyday and then turned to Aya
"I've told Shinji that you'll be around while we are gone."
"That's fine. I'll look after him."
"You better look after him." Misato broke from her chat with Asuka to give Aya a dark glare.
"Don't worry about her." Yui assured. "It's just her way of caring for Shinji."
"I'm not bothered." Aya left the group and returned to the apartment. 'I don't care if she's a NERV major… If she keeps this up I'll wipe that look off her face.' She went straight to Shinji's room to check on him. He was on his side with his back towards the door. Aya decided to leave the door ajar in case he wanted anything and then headed towards the kitchen.
'Where's that ice cream?' she dug around in the freezer. Misato had put her into a foul mood and ice cream usually cheered her up. "Gotcha!" As she was pulling the tub out, a cloth soaked with chloroform was shoved over her mouth and nose. She slowly succumbed to the fumes, but managed to drag the full dish rack from the bench before losing consciousness.
The sound of glass and plates smashing alerted Shinji who was trying to fall asleep but the angel alert and Asuka's behaviour plagued his thoughts 'That sounded bad. Someone might be hurt…' He decided to investigate. He ignored the wheel chair and slowly crept out of his room. Heading straight to the kitchen he saw a man standing over Aya's prone form.
"Hey! What the hell are you doing!" he yelled and lunged forward with what strength he had. The masked assailant dodged Shinji's clumsy attack and delivered a heavy blow to the side of his head. That was all it took to send Shinji crashing onto the kitchen tiles.
Fearing that he had done more damage then intended, the man checked Shinji's vitals making sure that he was still alive. He breathed a sigh of relief when Shinji's breathing and pulse were present. The only visible injury was a cut above his left eye which began to seep blood.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
Misato stood on the lower platform of the command centre with the usually bridge crew at their terminals and Ritsuko roaming around. The Commander and Vice Commander were positioned on a smaller observation station above them. Kaji and Keel stayed in the shadows near the back. The four faces of the pilots flashed into view up in front of the giant display.
"Listen up everyone." Misato began in her NERV military tone. "We have located the Angel in the city limits in this area." Maya entered the commands to send a map of the Angels position to the pilots. "Surveillance from the area showed no target so proceed with caution. Asuka and Rei, you two are on point. Touji and Mana are backup and to remain launch ready in the catapults. Are there any questions?" No one replied.
She then gave the order to launch. "Evas launch!"
TOYKO 3 – CITY STREETS
Asuka and Rei manoeuvred their Evas between the city buildings and through the evacuated streets. "Hey Misato, there's nothing here. Are you sure that you have the right coordinates." Asuka asked.
(You should be pretty much on top of the Angel. Stay on your toes.)
"There's nothing here." She switched her radio to include Rei. "Do you see anything on your side?"
(No target present.) 'What's this familiar feeling I have?'
"I think there's something wrong your machine." She was referring to the MAGI computer systems.
(The MAGI are running perfectly fine.) Ritsuko butted in, taking offence the German's attack on her system.
Meanwhile, a young man watched the two Evas parade around the area from his empty room in one of the nearby buildings. His slim build glowed an eerie pale blue against the darkness. Shaggy grey hair fell over his red eyes, which continued to follow the giant mechas. "I never thought it would come to this my friend." He pushed himself off the windowsill. "But destiny seems to have other plans for the two of us…"
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE
(What's going on; this is starting to bore me.) Asuka complaint echoed through the command room.
"We're running another analysis. Just give us a moment." The major turned to her support staff. "Do we have anything yet?" The sound of a cell phone ringing was heard from the back of the room where Kaji and Keel were standing and watching. It caught the attention of everyone in the room but they remained focused on the task at hand.
"Kaji." He answered and listened for a moment.
"Damn!" his curse definitely got the attention of everyone. "Lock down the whole Geo Front! No one gets in or out and begin a search. Arrange the tactical team to meet me in front the complex." He slammed his flip phone shut and ran for the nearest exit.
"Agent Kaji." Fuyutsuki's voice boomed. "What's going on?" but before he could answer someone else spoke up.
"I don't believe it! We just lost the Angel. It's gone." Maya exclaimed.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – SUB LEVEL GEO FRONT
A lone electric cart carried three people along the dimly lit passage way, the shrill revving of the motor the only sound accompanying them. The repetitive joints in the concrete knock Aya around until she was semi conscious. She tried to open her eyes to look at her surroundings but everything was blurred and hazy. The driver noticed that she was coming around.
"Do as I say and you won't be hurt." His words, already distorted by the mask came across slurred and in slow motion. She felt the cart slow down and then come to a completed stop. The driver got off and walked towards the massive steel door. The words TERMINAL DOGMA sprayed across the front.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – GEO FRONT
Kaji's black SUV came to a screeching halt in front of the newly commission NERV apartments. NERV elite tactical team were assembled outside and currently checking their equipment. He exited his car and immediately went to back. One of his agents approached.
"Give me an update." He asked putting on his protective flack jacket and checking the chamber in his firearm.
"Looks like a struggle occurred. Both Ms. Kojima and Mr. Ikari are presently missing." The agent gave his report. "There was also some blood found. We've sent some samples to confirm the identity."
"Take the team and whoever is around. Start a floor by floor search, they might still be in the building or we may be able to find something." The agent nodded and began as ordered.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER CENTRE
(Can someone please explain to me why we have to stay in our Eva's?) Asuka and rest of the Eva pilots had been ordered to remain in their machines in case the Angel reappeared. Well, that's what they were told anyway. (It's obvious that the thing was a false alarm. So what's the point?)
"We can't be too careful. These new Angels have shown far more intelligence than the previous ones we encountered." Misato replied.
(Well at least let us out of our plugs.)
(Do you ever shut up?) Touji shouted. Asuka's constant complaints finally broke the young pilot.
(Don't tell me to shut up you stupid monkey!)
(Give it a break Asuka.) Mana tried to reason. (You're acting like little child. Be a professional.) As the pilots began arguing among themselves, Maya turned the volume down on the speakers so they were just audible.
"Thanks Maya." Misato and the rest of the bridge crew appreciated her actions.
"Major." It was Aoba. "I have Kaji on the line."
"Put him on the main screen." He entered the commands and Kaji's face appeared before them. He was at one of the communication terminals around the Geo Front. Heavily armed men could be seen running around in the background.
"What has happened Kaji?" Fuyutsuki asked.
(I want everyone to stay in the Commander centre. A security detail should be with you shortly.)
"What's the security for?" Misato asked.
(We've had a breech. It appears Shinji and Aya are missing.)
"Missing? What do you mean missing?" Yui asked her voice full of concern.
"I'm coming down to help." It wasn't a request but a statement from Misato.
"Major Katsuragi, we still have the issue with possible Angel. You are required here." The commander quickly overruled her decision.
(The old man is right. In any case I've ordered a lockdown of the whole Geo Front. Running around will just complicate things but that doesn't mean you can't help from where you are.)
"Well, hurry and tells us you need." Misato sounded very annoyed.
(You didn't say please.) Her fist slammed into a console panel.
"What you need Kaji" Ritsuko asked.
(A search is currently being conducted of the apartment for any clues as to what happened and where they might have been taken. I need you guys to check every security camera in the facility. They still might be inside.)
"It's him and he's still here." Keel decided to speak up from the back and step out of the shadows. "You should start checking the lower levels; he would expect you to check the exits first."
(Damn it you're right! The pass; it's the pass!) Kaji quickly signed off.
"Kaji wait!" But she was too late.
NERV SUBLEVEL - TERMINAL DOGMA
The cold steel floor was the first thing Shinji felt as he slowly gained consciousness. The stench of blood filled the air and its metallic tasted filled the back of his mouth. The smell was familiar; something that he could never forget it.
'LCL'
He found that his hands were bound behind his back and struggled to sit up. When he finally did, his ears picked the sounds someone trying to talk through a gag. He looked to his left and it was Aya. She was also bound hand and foot.
"Aya!" he began inching towards her when something cold and hard pressed up against the back of his head.
"She'll be fine. You should be more worried about yourself." The man spoke as pulled the hammer back on his gun. This caused Aya to fight and struggle more against her ties.
"Let her go."
"She won't be harmed. You are our only intended target." He pulled the gun back and began dragging Shinji by the back of his shirt. After a few feet, he swung him along the ground and Shinji came face to face with the pool of LCL he could smell earlier. In the middle of the lake of LCL stood the lifeless figure of the original Lilith, its hands still nailed onto the giant cross that held it captive. The Lance of Longinus was missing but the holes in the chest had yet to fully regenerate, proof of the malign effects of the weapon.
"So now what?" the masked man just pointed to the side and Shinji's eyes followed. Another man stood to the side, his upper body and face concealed by the bad lighting and shadows. He began walking towards Shinji. His footsteps echoed through the chamber and slowly his features came out of the shadows.
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER CENTRE
"Have you found them yet?" Misato asked anxiously looking over Maya's shoulder.
"Nothing yet; there is a lot of cameras in the sub levels to go through." The technician replied.
"Just keep trying Maya." Yui said. She had moved down to the lower platform. Staying up on the observation level left feeling that she wasn't doing anything so she sat herself at a spare terminal and began helping going through the thousands of security cameras on the sub levels.
"I found something." Aoba sounded out. Everyone gathered around him and his terminal. He pointed to his screen where a discarded electric cart sat in front of a pair of steel doors. The doors were slightly ajar and a faint light streamed through the gap.
"Where is that?" asked the Major.
"That's Terminal Dogma" Yui said aloud with a quiver of fear in her voice.
"Do we have any camera inside?" Ritsuko shook her head no.
NERV SUBLEVEL – TERMINAL DOGMA
"What… How…" Words had troubles forming as Shinji's brain tried to register who it was standing before him.
"That's no way to greet your father." Gendo sneered. "It's been such a long time since we've seen each other and we are going to make up for that lost time." His voice reminded Shinji of all his pain and his body began to build up with rage. He attempted a feeble tackle with his restraints but was pulled back to the ground with a thud by the sleeper.
"Can we just get this done and over with? They have most likely discovered our location."
"We have ample time. You should not concern yourself with these minor matters." Replied Gendo as he pulled out a gun and aimed it directly at Shinji. The older man couldn't help but let a sadistic grin creep across his face as he squeezed down on the trigger.
"Today is just the beginning…" A gunshot rang out and reverberated throughout the chamber.
END OF CHAPTER
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Many thanks for you positive feedbacks! They are appreciated and I do take them into consideration. Keep them coming!
