I do not own the rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion, or any of the characters, equipment, or locations written in this fanfiction. The purpose of this fanfiction is merely for the non-profit enjoyment of other readers. If requested by Gainax, Hideki Anno, or other parties which represent aforementioned objects in this story, I will remove it promptly.
Chapter VI:
While I have no idea why Gendo would put someone as dangerous to his established dictatorship like myself under the guardianship of Ritsuko Akagi, I can make some guesses. Obviously the language barrier would be a problem with Shinji and Misato, and while I did communicate quite effectively with Asuka, I would have inflicted far more pain than I did if I were forced in close proximity with her outside of NERV. Maya, as friendly as she was, also had difficulty speaking and writing in English. If I were to ever learn a very simplistic level of Japanese, it would have to be through someone who could master both languages.
Gendo Rokubungi, as I began to call him, probably did not realize how much of an effect I would have on the blonde doctor. The next couple of days after my living assignment with Akagi, we slowly worked on establishing a comfortable routine. While I explained I had left my world not a week before, near the end of my junior year as a business major, I was relegated to the same junior high school class as Asuka, Shinji, and Rei. While I knew Asuka had graduated college, she truly was 14 years old. I, on the other hand, was mentally 23, and was so great a security risk, I was hoping NERV would forge a transfer student transcript, and let me finish where I left off. However, apparently the post-Impact world had changed the way business was run as well as the environment.
I also proved far too complacent after my initial bludgeoning for NERV to keep me out of school. I suppose it was for the best. Not knowing what awaited me, I thought I should at least acquire an education and a way to support myself in the event the Angel War was won. The series and it's various fan fictions would not help me when I had to get a job and put food on the table.
About the only positive aspect of attacking Gendo other than getting a few cheers and terrified looks from the staff had been the two week observation period put on me. A psychologist would report on my initial and final conditions after said period. Once I was trusted again, then NERV would allow me to begin pilot training.
Ritsuko had two free days to help me acquire the necessities of modern life as a teenage female. Of course, there was the embarrassment of shaving, and the specifics of the female reproductive system, but I just kept reminding myself nothing would change. Regardless of gender, my privacy and health practices would be the same as before. Then, to my complete disgust, Ritsuko insisted I see a gynecologist.
"No way in HELL," I grumbled to the nurse. "And you can forget breast exams, too, while you're at it! If I'm going to get cancer, I'll wait till I feel like crap before I have someone poke and prod me in those places." Both Ritsuko and the male doctor who would conduct the embarrassing diagnosis walked in just as I threatened to kill the nurse's husband, all her kids, and burn her house down if she got within my personal space.
I suppose I'm a little short-sighted and unrealistic about my beliefs, but it doesn't apply to just the female gender. Through all of those dreaded health and fitness classes when the subject of self-exams and making regular appointments came up, I swore I would never follow the advice, and I never have. I'll wait until I'm sick before I worry about that stuff.
"If I am going to die, I will die fast and happy," I said. Ritsuko let out a groan, but accepted my choice under the condition my medical insurance would be cut to a spartan level. When I worked out the calculations, this seemed to cover everything I anticipated would happen outside of NERV. Regardless of how severe an injury, anything related to piloting would be handled.
After the fiasco at the public hospital, Ritsuko took the time during our walk to the nearby optometrist to voice her opinions. "You are far too arrogant for your own good," she grumbled. "If you aren't careful, someone will kill you. Do you realize how close you came to death not three days ago?"
"Rokubungi wouldn't kill me," I replied, my hands beginning to tremble. "He called me Yui, and seemed to smile the most disgusting, perverted smile I've ever seen. He's probably planning to molest me, but not kill me." I clenched my hands tight into fists, a signal the doctor was beginning to connect with my malicious thoughts.
Ritsuko stared. "What do you intend to accomplish? The commander is watching your every move! Do you really think you can afford to be so rash?" When I nodded, the woman just sighed. "You are crazy. You will get me killed for sure."
"You are going to die anyway when the combined J.S.S.D.F. and U.N. forces attack the Geofront. Of all people, the commander is the one who kills you when you try to stop Rei from joining with Lillith." This seemed to get the doctor's attention, as she immediately came to a stop, a blank expression on her face. "If you don't believe me, then just wait. Those nine millimeters don't have any serious armor penetration, but they do the job. Take my advice, and when you intend to kill him, don't waste time talking him out of it. Just shoot him."
•••••••••••••
Ritsuko kept silent for the rest of the drive back from the optometrist to her apartment. The white electric Toyota coupe emitted a peculiar high pitched whine, something I was unfamiliar with in automobiles. However, the jutte padding insulated the cabin from most of the noise. The sound emitted outside was still quite loud, but nothing louder than you would expect from an internal combustion engine. It was unusual, I noted, sitting in a passenger seat on the left side of the vehicle.
With my NERV account activated, Akagi and I had gone out to purchase my new glasses and more clothing, including a replacement for the formal attire which had been shredded during Section Two's attack. This time, however, I was forced to choose along more feminine tastes. I convinced the doctor pink and soft colors were not going to work, but the cut of the shirts and jeans still felt too girly for my intentions. What was left consisted of form fitting but still conservative jeans, a few polo shirts, a couple pair of basic sneakers, and a waterproof green jacket. It was the jacket I insisted on. I've had a similar jacket since at least my junior year in high school. In fact, I am wearing that same jacket as I type this recollection of events.
The curved circular frames of my glasses had a startling similarity to the pair Gendo wore, though these had clear lenses and were more of a pepper gray metallic finish. I was surprised during the optometrist visit how poorly my vision had deteriorated, once again the prescription strength being increased. Apparently Yui's family had a history of poor eyesight, which significantly affected my own vision. I realized now how I truly was a blood relative to Shinji and Rei. "At least I have a good idea of my surname," I muttered.
When we reached the apartment complex, I could see the doctor's face tense, lines and wrinkles forming as her eyes lost some of the reflected light in them. "I am sorry... about today," I said. I thought I was at the time. It was rude of me to get her involved like that with my own plans to assassinate our boss. Whether he had it coming or not, whether Ritsuko would die or not, it was wrong of me to force her into that situation. I was just as bad as Gendo. Even more importantly, I was far too aggressive and temperamental to a person who was just trying to help.
Pulling the car into her favorite spot, approximately 50 feet from the apartment complex main entrance, Ritsuko first unlocked both our doors, then hesitantly removing her seat belt, stepped out of the vehicle. It was then things took their turn for the worse.
Hearing the stock ringtone of her cell phone, Akagi reached into her black purse, and flipped the display open. Normally in her labcoat, she would carry the phone in one of the coat pockets. Outside of NERV, however, she wore her navy blue sleeveless top and a pair of hip hugger jeans. In a scary way, she almost reminded me of my grandmother, trying to stay in with a style expired thirty years before. At least she had the figure for it, and was still young and single enough to appreciate the reaction to her wardrobe.
Then I noticed the woman shudder, her eyes dropping to stare at her feet. "Is something wrong?" I asked. It didn't take a genius to see it, but as I said before, I can't read human emotion, and around a crowd running an organization that would drive a person insane from disillusionment, I was finding it necessary to ask.
"It's... nothing," the woman lied, tucking her phone back in her purse, and walking numbly to the complex elevator. "Can you... wait outside for a while? There is something I need to do." I nodded, locking my facial features in a taunt, serious expression. Something was going down, and a poker face seemed like the best bet until I knew just what was happening.
As Ritsuko trudged into the elevator, I locked the car before closing the passenger door, and took a walk out to the back of the complex. There was an empty dirt lot behind the apartments, and as if on cue, a small crowd of elementary school children were playing soccer. Walking up to them, I found a woman, somewhere in her thirties, sitting on a blanket stretched out on the retreating grass of the lot. She glanced up at me, and I glanced back, smiling and raising my right hand in greeting. She seemed confused by the expression, as many people do when I meet a person for the first time. I don't really wave, but give more of the alien "arm raised as if asking a question" pose, the kind you'd expect Michael Rennie to perform in The Day the Earth Stood Still. I got about a similar reaction.
I at least understood her when she greeted me, though as she began to speak faster, I had to just smile and nod until I could ask "Do you speak English?" Her eyes widened in shock, particularly when I added in what little Japanese I knew that I was American. She simply smiled, than after a moment, answered me.
"I... have some English," she answered. She then introduced herself as Keiko. From what little English she knew, and what little Japanese I could make out, she was the mother of two of the kids playing in the lot. Waving to them, a boy and girl of elementary school age, both with black hair and hazel eyes approached. I smiled, and with a couple quick lessons from Keiko, introduced myself so they could understand me.
We were about to continue our conversation when a scream emanated from the fifth floor of the apartment complex. It was then my mind went blank with panic. Ritsuko lived on the fifth floor. I knew I had to do something, and while I was obviously being watched, the black "inconspicuous" van sitting on the street corner giving away Section Two's presence, that didn't matter anymore. Scanning the barren grounds, I spotted exactly what I needed in the pile of rusted construction debris along the wooden fence.
Keiko started asking what I was doing, until she saw me grab the rusted, heavy steel pipe, swinging it once or twice like a baseball bat. "Call police," I snarled, causing the woman to shrink back, pulling her kids close to her. "A woman is being hurt."
"What.. you do?" she stuttered, her eyes widening in fear.
"What I do best," I hissed.
•••••••••••••
Since the old hinged door Ritsuko's apartment possessed was hollow and made of very thin plywood, it was easy enough to bust down. I was thankful now for all the noise, tables and chairs splintering on impact, because it gave me the perfect cover as I stalked into the bedroom. To my surprise, a pair of Section Two agents stood outside the entrance to the bedroom, while the figure in the black suit and shades leaned over Ritsuko, pinning her to the bed.
Regardless of the noise, the agent to my right must have heard me snarl, as he turned just in time to see the rusted steel pipe slam into his nose. The agent screamed out in pain, covering his bloodied face in his hands. The agent to my left turned and went for his pistol, only to drop to the floor when I brought my instrument of vengeance crashing across his throat. Adding a growl, I raised the pipe over my head, and swung it down against the man's skull, the skin and bone splattering the door frame. The man in the black suit rose from his hold on Ritsuko, now revealing the woman's clothes savagely torn from her body. I tried to avoid staring, and focused my gaze on the man. He was smart to remove the pistol and holster rig during his rape, since Ritsuko could easily have killed him if he were distracted. Now, however, it proved an unwise move.
I took my time kneeling to the ground, withdrawing the nearest agent's Jericho pistol, the barrel extended and threaded to accept a silencer. Having no other options available, the third agent pulled Ritsuko in front of him as a human shield. Akagi blushed at her nudity, her top and skirt missing some rather important components. She looked at me for just one moment, her eyes lifeless, dull. They seemed to say she was ready to die, like she was too ashamed to live. Just before I cocked the hammer and pulled the trigger, I spoke aloud. "Fill your hands!" The man stupidly went for his gun, although I had the advantage.
When the blood began to flow and the man's body toppled back, Ritsuko shuddered, pulling herself to the floor. I remember taking a deep, soothing breath the moment she forced her eyelids shut. I was glad, because I didn't like those eyes.
•••••••••••••
Misato seemed like the most reasonable person to call at a time like this. Glancing out the window, I watched the black van sit perfectly still. It was obvious now. These three agents were the only occupants. If there were others, they would have been on their way by now. I strode past the fallen bodies, and reached into the jacket of the third agent. I salvaged the tactical radio with the single earpiece. I found later it proved invaluable. Next came the other two agents, which I found had a stash of three high capacity magazines each for their Jericho pistols. Almost as if for convenience, one of the men was left-handed, his shoulder holster rig adjusted for a right side draw.
Pulling off the green jacket I insisted on wearing, I wrapped it around Ritsuko's shoulders and slipped on the right-handed man's shoulder holster, tucking the magazines in the synthetic magazine pockets. "Where is your phone?" I asked softly. Ritsuko just stared blankly at the doorway, the two agents' bodies staining the carpet with their blood. I gripped the doctor by her shoulders and shook her. "WHAT IS MISATO'S PHONE NUMBER?"
She gave me the information, stuttering and gasping while she recited it. "W-what are we... going to do?" Ritsuko gasped and stuttered. I moved back to the men one at a time, searching their pockets. In a moment, I found what I was looking for. I spun the keychain to the surveillance van around my index finger.
"Taking your car would be a dead giveaway," I answered.
Minutes later, I brought the van around through the empty lot, plowing through the wooden fence in the process. Whether the vehicle was armored or not, I couldn't allow Ritsuko to be seen, both for her safety and her modesty. She climbed in slowly, her limbs quaking as the adrenaline was depleted in her system. Leaving the engine running, I helped the doctor to one of the rear bench seats near the audio monitoring equipment, and pulled the seat belt across her shoulder, and slammed the sliding door.
"Do you... know how to drive?" Ritsuko asked.
I glanced back, fastening my seat belt in the right side driver's seat. I heard a knock at the left front window. Instinctively I leaned back into the seat in an attempt to shield my profile behind the passenger door frame, and drew one of the Jericho pistols from the stolen holster. Keiko drew back in fear, stumbling away from the van. I wish I could have explained to her what was going on, but as long as the van was parked, we were all easy targets.
•••••••••••••
Thankfully for me, the streets were almost barren as I drove as calmly and legally as I could manage. Given the fact I couldn't read any street signs and getting used to driving in the left lane of traffic was difficult, I asked Ritsuko to give directions. To make matters more difficult, I was fumbling with the doctor's cell phone. Now, I don't believe driving with a cell phone impairs driving, unless you're stupid enough to take all attention off the road. I've driven with a CB radio in my car for quite some time.
However, in a potential combat situation, driving in a foreign country to a place you've never been, and having to translate some basic phrases into Japanese while on the phone, it can be quite a pain. Of course, to my utter annoyance, the one person in the Katsuragi household who couldn't speak English answered the phone.
"Shinji, get Misato!" I growled.
I could hear the boy's voice cracking, the Third Child nervously stuttering on the other end. "Misato...ummm..." he blurted out in confusion. I could hear Shinji gasp as I clenched the phone tighter in my hand, the plastic casing cracking under my grip.
"Is Asuka there?" I asked. Again, there was an uncomfortable pause. This time, however, there was some shouting, followed by a heavy tread of footsteps, or rather stomps. Finally, I heard a voice I could immediately recognize.
"Allo?" the redhead asked in an attempt to sound sophisticated and European.
"This is the Fifth Child," I snarled. "Doctor Akagi has been assaulted by Section Two. We are en route to your location. Please inform Misato we're coming in hot, and armed to the teeth."
There was a long pause. "Is that you, Kensuke?" the girl shot back in anger. "Oh, so you learned English. It's about time, you stooge!"
"You stupid- GARH!" I shouted. "This is real, you stupid Kraut!" I heard some random obscenities in German, but before the girl could continue, I determined it was more important to just shut her up than reason with her. "Oh, I know! Why don't I prove it. Let's talk about how your mother hanged herself, and tried to hang a doll that she thought was yo-" The line went dead.
Somehow I knew I wasn't going to make many friends in this world.
End of Chapter VI
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Yes, again, one of these days I will get to piloting the Eva. Somehow I just keep finding ways to put it off. However, as soon as I started writing this scene, I just had to draw it out. For the sake of consistency and keeping a minimum story length, I try to trim each chapter down to 20-24 kB in size. Hopefully it's not too long of a read. Most fanfics I read, I just skim through until I find a paragraph or two that catches my eye.
Any comments or suggestions, please post them as a review.
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