Chapter 22: Love's beginning
Hey all, it's me again. This is number 22, and things are moving smoothly. I would also like to celebrate passing 100 reviews. WOOHOO, now I feel like a good author! Read on my loyal readers!
Disclaimer: I do not own NGE, Gainax does. I do own all original characters, and if there is any resemblence to characters in other stories, or to real people, it is merely coincidental
I would like to give thanks to a few readers who have stuck by through the beginning:
Thank you TearsOfHurt13 for your 'stimulating' reviews
Thanks for sticking with it Raven6 and your lovely advice
Thanks for your support Frost-Eva-04, keep it frosty!
And thanks to all you others who read and give me support
Chapter preread and edited by YouarenotasrandomasI
On with the show...
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Shinji and Keevan were currently being helped by Sai on their homework. Having already completed hers earlier, Asuka went out looking for Rikku, seeking advice for her conflicting emotions. Looking around, she decided to check out some of the doors in the hallway. Noting where the rooms for the others were, she opened one of the doors she didn't know what was behind and looked in.
At first, she thought she was seeing things, but after rubbing her eyes she knew she was actually seeing it. The room was large, bigger than Keevan's, and it was a jungle, a real Amazonian jungle, with a little stream flowing past her. Looking around in disbelief, she turned to her right to see a couple of bags. Checking the tags on the bag, Asuka saw Hunter's name on them and concluded that this was where he stayed when he was home.
Closing the door, she went to the next one and peeked through. This time there was nothing there, or rather she couldn't see anything. Up, down, everywhere there was nothing but blackness. Feeling nervous, Asuka decided against looking further and closed the door.
The next door opened before she could even put her hand on the handle. Rikku poked her head out and arched her eyebrows in slight surprise.
"Can I help you?" she asked
Looking down the hall, Asuka saw that Shinji was still hard at work. Checking his thoughts and feeling relieved that he didn't notice her; she turned back to the Aerolan.
"Can I speak with you?" Asuka asked, "In private?"
The glance down the hall didn't lose any meaning on Rikku, who replied, "Come in"
Stepping inside, Asuka saw that the walls and ceiling were views of the sky, giving the impression that they were outside. The room was fairly big, with a circle about three and a half meters across drawn into the floor on one side. Next to the circle was a rack full of various weapons, most of which could be described as sharp. In the opposite corner was a bowl shaped nest. There were a few feathers littering the nest, both black and brown feathers. Opposite the door next to the rack was a table with tea supplies.
Looking up from her observations, Asuka saw that Rikku had made a pot of tea and was pouring out two cups. Seating at the table, the red-head accepted a cup and took a sip.
"So," Rikku began, "what did you want to talk about?"
Flushing slightly, Asuka stuttered, "Well, I was wondering about, um, well, do you, er…"
Sighing, the Aerolan finished for her, "You're feeling emotions that you don't quite understand. You don't know what they mean, and you need advice"
Looking up in surprise, the red-head asked, "That's right. How did you know?"
Smiling, Rikku ran her fingers through her hair and replied, "I've been in your position before, so I understand what you've been going through"
Curious, Asuka asked, "You have?"
"Yep," Rikku replied, "I've had a similar situation to what you are having now with Shinji"
Flushing a deeper red, the pilot replied, "What, Shinji? Who said this was about him?"
Smiling, Rikku told her, "Who else? The two of you are bound together, and you've learned so much about each other. It's the most logical thing to think"
"So, what are they?" Asuka asked with trepidation
"You're in love with Shinji-kun" Rikku told her bluntly
Before the red-faced red-head could protest, the blonde Aerolan replied, "Don't deny it. Remember Agric?"
Shivering, Asuka realized that she was subconsciously doing what the vile shadow had told her to do for most of her life. Rikku's hand appeared and placed itself on the teen's hand. Looking up, Asuka saw a look of compassion on Rikku's face
"Don't worry, let it go. Now let's get to the business of you and Shinji"
Nodding, Asuka took a deep breath, "I think you're right. I really like Shinji, but I don't know what to do"
"Talk to him," Rikku advised, "tell him your feelings for him"
"But what if he hates me? I don't know what I would do if he rejects me" Asuka said in a forlorn tone
A level look on her face, the Aerolan replied, "Are you kidding?"
Blushing in embarrassment, Asuka mentally slapped herself. Of course Shinji didn't hate her; she saw it enough times in previous forms of connections to know that.
Smiling now, Rikku said, "Now that that's been cleared, let's discuss how you're going to tell him"
Looking inquisitively at the Aerolan, the red-head asked, "What do you suggest?"
Leaning towards her, Rikku said, "I hear that there's a dance coming up. Go to it with him, then, when the time is right, go up to him and confess"
Asuka flushed a little as she tilted her head down, "I don't know…"
Wrapping an arm around the red-faced girl's shoulders, the Aerolan said, "Let me tell you the story of how I first met Iak. Maybe that'll make you feel better"
Asuka looked up as Rikku began to tell her tale.
"When I first met Iak, my first reaction was of great revulsion. You know how our kind looks down on those with the black wings. It was no different with me; I saw him and instantly hated him."
Asuka remembered her first impression of Shinji as being a weak, spineless coward.
"At that time, however," Rikku continued, "I was banished from my home for unspecified reasons"
This last part was said in an odd tone that said a great deal, but Asuka decided not to delve too deeply into it.
"So when I first saw him, I also saw how I could use him to be able to return home and be forgiven. I figured that if I killed him and brought his wings before the other's the others would look up to me and that I would be respected as well as forgiven"
Another twinge of guilt, as Asuka remembered how she would use Shinji to do her chores and such.
"So I tried to kill him. I tried so many times, in so many different ways. I've been going at it for about five years"
Seeing the incredulous look on Asuka's face, Rikku said, "I know, but I am a very stubborn person. Ever since we were nine, I've tried every trick I knew, as well as a few I made up, to kill him. And yet none ever worked, so I kind of became desperate"
Rubbing her left wing near the second joint, Rikku told her, "I pretended to have a broken wing and lured him into a trap I had set up. Even though I've tried to kill him many times, Iak was always so kind. He sometimes brings me meals when I've forgotten to feed myself for a few days, or gives me some blankets during cold weather. I figured I could use his kindness against him, use him again"
Chuckling mirthlessly, Rikku continued, "The trap worked; too well. I was also caught in it, but we were fortunate to escape alive. This time, I really broke my wing as well as my leg. When I finally came to, I saw that Iak had set my bones and bound them"
Riveted, Asuka asked, "Why did he do that? I thought you tried to kill him"
"I asked him that same question. Do you know what he told me?"
Seeing the red-head shake her head, Rikku told her, "He said, 'Because I didn't want to see you in pain'"
Seeing the look of disbelief, the female Aerolan told her, "That was my reaction too. I admit, I thought that he had some hidden agenda, and that he was using me for something. But he actually cared about me, and was willing to take time to help others. Iak showed me more kindness by staying by my side and helping me while I recovered"
Asuka bit her lip as she remembered how the pair of them was like Rikku and Iak. The kind boy is constantly tormented by the female. Granted, Asuka never went to such extremes as to kill someone, she was still very mean to Shinji.
A small smile on her face, Rikku saw Asuka's dilemma and decided to tell her something else.
"I later found that I was the first Aerolan he'd seen in years, and that he actually glad to see me so often. Granted, I always tried to kill him, but I've noticed that he seemed to be happier when I was around. I found myself in conflict; I've had plans for getting back home, but I had realized that even bringing Iak's wings might not be enough to be forgiven. Deciding to accept my fate, I stayed with Iak and his surrogate parents. Being in close proximity with him, I got to know him better, and I soon realized that I had begun to grow fond of him"
Placing a hand over her heart, Rikku continued with a slight flush, "I was also worried about his reaction, but then he came to me and took me out to see a lovely sunset. He took my hands, looked me in the eyes, and told me he loved me"
Turning to Asuka, Rikku told her, "Don't have fear about what might happen between you and Shinji. You know better than anyone that he cares about you"
Nodding, the red-head said with a shy smile, "Thanks. I guess I needed to talk with someone about this. I'm feeling a whole lot better"
Smiling back, Rikku told her, "That's alright. If you ever need help, or a cup of tea to talk over, you know who to go to"
Getting up, Asuka bowed politely and skipped to the door. Before opening it, she turned back to the female Aerolan.
"I was wondering, why are there black feathers in your, er, bed?"
Smiling back, Rikku replied, "Who said that it was mine?"
Flushing, Asuka muttered something about perverts, to whom the blonde girl obviously heard, for she laughed as she replied, "You're going to be in that position sooner or later, so get used to the idea"
Slamming the door, Asuka left in a huff. Rikku chuckled as she put away the tea things and cleaned the cups.
Doing so, she sighed, "I really hope they can get together"
Nerv HQ
Gendo was reviewing a report about the status of the pilots. Doctor Ritsuko had given the report, telling him that the kids were now able to pilot their Evas. Although the information that his pilots were now usable was good, it still troubled him. For his plans to succeed, Shinji must be prepared by the Angels, and if the Avatars continued to help, his planning will be for naught.
Briefly, Gendo thought of isolating the pilots from the travelers by making them live in the base. He just as quickly discarded the idea, since the security system would be ineffective against the otherworldly travelers.
Picking up the reports from Section 2, he looked at various photos of possible travelers. The majority of them were of one or more ninja, or parts of a ninja. In all of the photos, the agents had failed at getting a proper shot or at following them.
The phone then rang, interrupting the Commander's musings. Picking it up, Gendo said, "Yes?"
"This is Section 2. Sir, we believe to have uncovered the identity of one other traveler"
Interest piqued, he told the agent, "Forward all information regarding this to Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki and myself"
"Understood sir"
Hanging up, Gendo watched as papers began to come from the fax machine on his desk. Once no more papers came, he gathered them up and began to leaf through them. The first paper had a picture of a boy and his personal information.
The picture was of a ten year old boy. The name under the picture was Keevan Markan.
The next day
Keevan was strolling along towards the school. Raising his hand, he stifled a yawn that brought tears to his eyes.
"I should have gone to bed earlier," he grumbled.
Unknown to him, a black van was following him. Inside the van were three Section 2 operatives. One was driving while the other two had surveillance equipment. Since there was insufficient evidence that the child was one of the travelers, they could only observe him. Abducting a child could lead to dire consequences, unless special procedures were followed.
They followed the child discreetly, not knowing that they themselves were being observed. Flying above them were Rikku and Iak, both keeping an eye on the black vehicle.
"I don't know which is more boring," Rikku grumbled, "Watching a black van, or staying at home"
Sighing, Iak replied, "You can go. I'll be fine watching by myself"
Snorting, his companion replied, "I'll be just as bored by myself as I would be working with you"
"Well dove, what do you want?" Iak asked, turning his head to look at her
Smiling, Rikku replied, "How about we get jobs?"
Confused, Iak was about to ask what she meant. Seeing her look straight ahead, he followed her gaze to the school.
"You can't possibly mean-"
"Yep," she interrupted, "And besides, it'll allow us to keep an eye on the pilots"
Groaning, the black Aerolan said, "Bad enough that I'm required to teach new Avatars, now I have to teach Japanese middle school students?"
Flying so that their wingtips just brushed against his, Rikku said, "Come on dove, please?"
He made the mistake of turning his head. Although he quickly turned back around, it was too late. Iak saw that Rikku was making puppy dog eyes, and he was trapped.
"Alright," Iak said grudgingly, "but only if there are any positions"
Jumping up and down in the air seemed impossible, but Rikku accomplished that while saying, "Alright! Don't worry, I'll find us positions"
"As long as you don't hurt people," Iak said in a resigned voice.
Gliding over, Rikku brushed her wingtips against his. The gesture was apparently special for the two as they both smiled lovingly at one another.
"Come on, race ya to school" she said while pulling up ahead quickly
Smiling wickedly, Iak quickly took pursuit, while still keeping an eye on the black vehicle below.
School
Asuka was frowning slightly while watching Shinji being accosted by many girls. Keevan had a similar problem, but was getting the better deal since none were flirting with him.
Peeking into Shinji's head, the red-head filtered the many thoughts the boy was having. The majority of them seemed to be the repetition of a sentence.
I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away.
She saw that Shinji was uncomfortable, but was willing to listen to the girls, if it means that they will leave all the sooner.
Spineless baka, Asuka thought
At the same time, she sighed, as she wasn't ready to tell him yet her feelings. Looking up, Asuka saw that Hikari was looking back towards her. Pointing to her laptop, the rep turned around to face the front of the room. Taking the hint, Asuka opened up her laptop and joined the chat.
Rep: Hey Asuka
RedChamp1: Hey
Rep: What's up? You've been staring at Shinji for a while
RedChamp1: Well, yeah
Rep: Any reason why?
RedChamp1: …
RedChamp1: Can you keep a secret?
Rep: Of course! You're my best friend, but what's this about?
RedChamp1: I think I'm in love
Rep: WHAT!!! Oh Asuka this is great! Who?
RedChamp1: Promise you won't make a scene?
Rep: It's Ikari, isn't it?
RedChamp1: Yes
Rep: I knew this would happen, so for how long?
RedChamp1: Since the last Angel
Rep: Have you told him yet?
RedChamp1: Um, no
Rep: Why not?
RedChamp1: Why haven't you told the stooge yet?
Rep: Hey!
RedChamp1: Same reason, I'm nervous
Rep: Did you talk with anyone else about this?
RedChamp1: Yeah, Rikku
RedChamp1: She suggested that I tell him at the dance
Rep: Do you think I might be able to talk to her about this?
RedChamp1: I'll call and see, but she should be able to
The rest of the day was spent discussing ideas for the upcoming dance. Both girls had a few ideas, and wanted to talk with Rikku or Misato about it.
That's that. This was a little longer than usual, so I hope you enjoyed it. R&R, and I'll get back as soon as I can