Alright this chapter explains a few more things and I tried to make it as emotional I could so you can the idea of what's happening. I hope you guys like it.
Chapter Seven
Asuka stared at the woman. Everything seemed so surreal that it was hard to contemplate everything. Suddenly a question popped into her head.
"What about this? Us going to Brazil. Has that every been done? In all the times you've seen these events unfold have you seen us go to Brazil?" asked Asuka. The woman smiled as the question seemed to intrigue her.
"Yes, out of a million times this situation, right now, has happened nine hundred thousand times." she said. Asuka thought again feeling that this was her chance to ask another question.
"So, depending on either Shinji or I do we can alter our reality. In doing so... the number of times that event has been done will go down?" she asked.
"Yes but you must be careful. You won't know if the event you chose to give up was the one that was bound to happen the least. Let's say you're faced with a crossroads, hmm?" asked the woman, "You are told you either go on with Shinji or you go down a path and he dies... now... as a human you would opt to go on with him, however, if you really think about it, how do you know that's not the event you chose nearly a million times and that event would ultimately lead you to your own demise?"
Asuka though and it made sense, it made very disturbing sense. How would she know the decision she makes doesn't lead her to her dead end? How would she know if the decision she makes leads her back to the fate decided to her at birth?
"Oh, and there's also one more thing" the woman said. Asuka sighed. She couldn't deal with any more factors, "Your destiny will not change because you decide not to use the bathroom when you think you should or anything like that. So don't worry too much about moving the wrong way or going up the stairs when you thought you should have taken the elevator. Your destiny will only be effected during large events. Think of it this way. If you are ever caught in an event in which you think you've been through it before... like déjà vu for example... then start worrying."
Asuka felt her stomach drop. She had already experienced that.
"Why are you telling me this?" asked Asuka. The woman smiled.
"Let's just say that some people forget where they stand in the universe and I'm just trying to correct that." she responded.
"Then why did you give me that card?"
"My child, time works something like gravity. In order to get things moving you just have to give things a small push." she said, "And plus, I'm doing this as a favor to you especially from someone up above."
"Up above?"
"Your mother."
Asuka awoke, breathing heavily she immediately met the humidity of the environment. She drew in breathes then realizing the air was thick with moisture and the only thing keeping her cool was a large industrial fan that was connected to a makeshift generator. She looked up and saw a straw ceiling and thus observing the floor noticed it was covered with dull colored sand. Her ears perked as she heard someone else was snoring in the room. She focused her vision and could recognize Shinji lying peacefully on a makeshift cot.
The brightness of light hit her eyes causing her to recoil. She held up her forearm to block the light.
"Morning you two. Time to get up, you slept enough." said Misato. Asuka frowned at this. She felt exhausted and for some reason her body was sore and all she wanted to do was to go back to sleep. Her mind felt sluggish and when she tried to remember the events of what led her here the only thing that stirred was her walking onto the Bomber and then falling asleep with the "Learn Copoeira" booklet in her hand. Besides that, her mind was blank. She looked over at Shinji who was stretching and yawning but otherwise wide awake compared to her. She forced herself to stand but her legs felt like jelly and when she finally managed to get her footing she fell to her knees.
"You alright?" asked Misato. Asuka could only nod. Shinji could see her legs trembling. She struggled to her feet but Shinji didn't dare to try and help her. He only waited as she finally stood letting her red hair fall over her face. Then something caught his eye. Several strands of hair fell across her face but they did not match the fiery red color of the rest of her hair. They were plain white. Those strands were so white they were almost translucent against her fair complexion.
"Hey, Asuka." said Shinji.
"What is it?" her voice hoarse.
"You getting old or something?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Look."
He pointed at the rouge strands of hair that fell across her face. Her eyes crossed as she tried to identify them but when she took the strands into her fingers her eyes went narrow.
"It's all this damn stress." she said.
"Well if we are done here. Let's head outside and I'll explain your objectives for the next week." said Misato. Shinji watched as Asuka followed the Major outside. Once he came out he was amazed by the vista of the ocean. He didn't realize he was next to a beach but he was glad he was. The smell of the sea salt and the sound of the waves was incredibly soothing but the look on Asuka's face was nowhere near calm. She wore a sour look as if someone had pulled a prank on her and she was the laughing stock. Misato turned to them and held our her hand which exposed two small tablets. The two teens looked at them and then at her.
"I don't have a headache if that's what your implying." hissed Asuka. Misato glared at her.
"These are not aspirin. These pills you two have to swallow and they will relay information about your brain concentration levels to a computer I brought here. This will tell me how deep in concentration you guys are and it will also give me a predictable time table as to how well you will be able to sync with the Eva's when we return." she said.
"That sounds all good but how are we supposed to get our sync ratios from all the way over here?" asked Shinji.
"Simple. I told you about the art of Copoeira last night. This is a mix of fighting, dance and acrobatics. All which require synchronization with your mind and body. But that's not all. We are going to teach you separately so you can gain individual forms of the art. Then at the end we will place you two in the same area and what you need to do it not only mirror each other but also work in harmony blindfolded."
"Blindfolded? What the hell we are not physics!" Asuka said hotly.
"There's more isn't there?" Shinji asked.
"There is. We have modified the training somewhat. The training will be done in pools of water. Don't worry it's only deep enough that it will touch your ankles but the difficulty will come from trying to maintain your footing. And if think that's not difficult enough on the very last exercise, the one where you and Asuka have to work in harmony, the reason I say in harmony is because you will both have to find a way to remove ALL of the water from the pool using the move set you have learned. This will teach you balance, inner confidence and a state of mind that will undoubtedly help you increase both your ratios. You both have a week," she said.
"So what's our first task?" Shinji asked.
"Glad you asked." began Misato, she placed two fingers into her mouth and whistled. A man and a woman appeared from behind them. The man was rather short and thin and he appeared to be a native. The woman on the other hand was taller than her male counterpart. She was slim and had long black hair and very beautiful features. Both the man and woman stood beside of Misato and waved.
"Guys this is Thiago and Yara. Both specialize in Copoeira and both are the children of Mr. Mo. They will help you start your training." she said.
Asuka blinked. Right off the bat she was jealous at the woman's beauty. She had never met someone of this nationality and it was quite demeaning to her to see someone without any make up hold such a natural beauty. The woman named Yara had only a long skirt and a bandanna like shirt. Most of her body was exposed. Her flat bronze abs, her slender arms, her long legs without a hair on them, her long straight hair that swayed in the breeze. Something told her that she wasn't going to enjoy her time here.
"You must be Asewka." said Yara, her accent evident. Asuka looked at her.
"It's Asuka." she retorted.
"My apologies. I had just finished learning Japanese a month ago." she said with a smile.
"Whatever, just start teaching me."
"As you wish." said Yara who looked over at Misato who nodded, "This way please."
Asuka followed the woman and disappeared into the jungle path.
Shinji looked at the small man before him. He was very muscular and it slightly intimidated him.
"Hello, I am Thiago. It's an honor, Sir." the man said. Shinji was taken back by the formality. No one has ever called him Sir.
"I will be your conductor for the next week."
"Have we met before?"
"Pardon me, Sir?"
"Have we ever met before?" Shinji asked again. Thiago looked at him unable to draw a conclusion to that question. He only shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Sir. But we have never met. This is but the first time."
Shinji for some reason couldn't believe this. He could have sworn he had met this man once before. He tried to think but his memories turned up with nothing. He placed his thoughts aside as Thiago motioned him towards the same direction Asuka and Yara had gone.
Chapter Eight
"Uh, Thiago, you're going to teach me Copoeira right?" asked Shinji.
"That is right, sir." replied Thiago.
"Do you mind telling me a little more about it?"
"Not a problem, sir. This art revolves around dance, fighting, and acrobatics. It must be done with balance and to the tempo and sound of the music we play. I play the drums and my comrades can play a large variety of other native instruments. My father is the overseer and he makes sure each of us are dedicated to the art considering it is nearly dead among the world as of now. Much of our community perished among what you people call 'Second Impact' but our people use this art to get in touch with our ancestors who had begun this art." he said.
"So I need a lot of concentration to do this?" asked Shinji.
"Yes, with the modified course you'll be taking you will be able to reach a place only our elders have seen. It is said you will be able to communicate with people beyond the grave. See heaven first hand and other wondrous things."
Shinji began to think. Was this all to sync with the Eva's or was it for another reason that they were here?
Asuka entered a clearing where she spotted several hut like structures. They all surrounded a large rectangular pool of sparking blue water. The pool wasn't deep about three inches deep. Through the water she could see a symbol some kind hidden beneath the surface. She couldn't read the symbol because of the water refracting it.
"Alright, we are here. I would like to show you a demonstration." Yara said. A man who was the same height as her walked over and placed his hand around her waist affectionately.
"Asuka, this is my husband and he is what we call 'Parceiro'. He's my partner." she said. Asuka looked at the man and he just like his wife had striking features. His face had sharp characteristics and his body seemed as if he was a trained Olympian. Her jealousy increased.
"So what do you want me to do?" she asked adding a tone of disgust in her voice.
"I want you to watch." said Yara. She turned to several behind her and whispered something in Portuguese. Another woman yelled out a command and suddenly the small area became organized. Several men took hold of instruments. Five men grabbed to what seemed to be a small drum that was placed between their legs, another grabbed a tambourine, another grabbed a long rod like instrument, and a few grabbed what looked like bells. Asuka watched as Yara and her husband walked over to the pool. Asuka measured it with her eyes and it seemed to be as big twenty by twenty feet. The two of them stepped into the pool of water. Yara stood over at one corner of the pool while her husband took the other corner at the other direction.
The men started to play the drums and then the rest of the instruments came in. Yara and her husband began to circle each other. Staring deeply into one another as if trying to figure out what the their next move would be next. Then the singing began but Asuka was in a trance. The sun hid behind a cloud causing the light around them to dim but the light coming from the pool of water shed ripples of blue lines over the huts, the trees. The tint of blue was the only color she could pick up. She stared and could see the blue water reflecting off their eyes. They too seemed to be lost in a world to themselves. They continued to pace each other never losing each others gaze. Was this harmony? Where they not just looking at one another but deep into their souls? There were no barriers. No walls to hide behind. Both of them were out in the open watching each other. Something Asuka could never do. Something she was afraid to do. She couldn't find the strength in herself to stand there and let another person stare her down forcefully trying to get into her head. She spent all her life avoiding that and now she would have to. She continued to watch. The music became louder and louder. They began what seemed to look like a dance of some sort. Each beat, each sound was translated over to movement. Their bodies moved in almost unison. Then suddenly Yara made an attempt at a punch but her husband dodged it and lifted her up to throw her. To Asuka's surprise Yara escaped from his grasp in a way that her body twisted in an unnatural manner. They continued to dance and make attempts to land blows but none of them contacted. Asuka could hear the water beneath their feet swish around and around. The music got louder and louder still and the way their bodies moved amplified it. The beats of the drums resonated in Asuka's body sending goosebumps all over her arms and a quick surge of electricity down her neck. She could feel the atmosphere grow. She could feel their passion. She could feel their connection. She could feel the music rumbling through the ground. Her own body wanted to move, to dance, to move with the music but she forced herself to stay still. They moved now in perfect unison. Using each other as leverage for jumps, flips and turns. They were helping each other. They loved each other and she could feel it. She envied them both. She loathed the feeling they were experiencing. She wanted that. She wanted to be loved and to move through life in harmony. Just like the dance. The two of them danced for another three minutes before coming to a sudden stop. Yara had been tossed into the air and landed in her husbands arms. A fine finish. The men on the instruments clapped and cheered and shouted something in Portuguese.
It was over.
Asuka felt disappointed. She wanted more. Yara hopped from the pool and went over to her.
"Do you wish to try?" she asked Asuka. Asuka was on the verge of saying yes but then thought about it. She didn't want to embarrass herself and considering she had no idea of how to dance using Copoeira she had to decline. Yara smiled and then clapped her hands to gain attention. She yelled something in her language and suddenly everyone including her husband began to leave the area and walk down a hidden path through the jungle towards an unknown location. Asuka looked up at Yara who still had a smile on her face.
"This is where you will learn our art. I sent everyone away so you may learn in privacy. Now. Today I want to see how well you can already move to the music." said Yara. Asuka gained a feeling of both anxiety and excitement but then her pride intruded.
"I'm not sure about this." she said. Yara picked up one of the drums one of the men had left behind and held it.
"Don't worry. You will do fine. In order to teach you I must see where your strengths and weaknesses." said Yara. Asuka bit her lip. This will help you get your sync back with Unit-02, she thought, just do it and get over it. She stepped into the pool of water which was relatively warm. She stood at the center waiting for Yara to give her instruction.
"Relax yourself Asuka. You seem tense." said Yara. She was tense. She didn't know what to expect, "Relax and close your eyes. Think of nothing but the beat I play and let you body communicate to me. Your body can never lie. I want to see what your body has to say."
"Uh...okay?"
"Just listen to the beat and let your body talk."
"Alright."
Asuka shut her eyes and listened. She could hear small taps of the drum. As she heard it she could feel the sound of the drum vibrate the water within the pool. It started low but she could hear the drum sounds get louder. She could feel the water under her bare feet vibrate as if the water was giving her the notes to follow. She took in a deep breath and exhaled.
Yara watched the red head girl begin to sway her head and her body began to move. Yara was partially interested that this young girl already knew how to move to the beat. She watched as Asuka moved, her speed slow and her movements long. She could tell this young girl had been through so much in her little time on the Earth. Yara slowed the tempo even further watching to see how the young girl would react to the sudden change. Asuka danced well but her movements continued to be slow. Her body was telling a story. It was creating its own song and Yara could feel the sorrow it was telling. She then decided to try something else. She remembered a very sad song her own mother had taught her as a child. As she continued to play she began to sing. Her voice was low and smooth but the tone of her voice was also sorrowful and Asuka could hear it well. Asuka continued to dance now exaggerating her movements even more picking up water with her feet and hands. She had no idea what she was doing but she felt what she was doing was right. She felt herself losing herself. She felt her emotions coming out. The music, the sounds, Yara's slow and pain filled voice. She felt pain. She felt the pain from her heart. She felt the tears coming. The music was unlocking her. Her walls were down.
Asuka listened to Yara's voice. She couldn't make out the words but the meaning was so clear. She knew what the song meant. Yara's voice grew louder and louder along with the drum. Asuka could see her memories rush into her mind. Her mother. That day when she hung herself. She could remember it well. The love she was never given. The love that she dearly wanted and longed for. Yara's voice became louder still and Asuka moved to her song even more.
Mama, can you see me? See how well I can do this? I'm thinking of you. Do you love me now, Mama?
The song heightened, Asuka could feel tears rushing to her eyes, the pain in heart was there and now Yara could feel it. They shared the same hurt. They shared a loss and Asuka had the feeling that Yara had lost her mother too.
Mama, I'm trying hard. Why can't you tell me I did good? Was I not a good daughter? Don't you love me?
The song heightened again, emotion being poured into it by both Asuka and Yara. One telling a sorrow and the other illustrating the sorrow.
Mama, please, love me...
The song reached its climax and now Yara was now singing at the top of her lungs with tears running down the side of her bronze cheeks. She could feel Asuka's pain. She could feel it and it was loud and clear.
"Tell your story!" Yara shouted interrupting her own singing, "Let the Earth know of you. Let the world know who you are! You are never alone!"
Asuka danced like she had never done before. Her eyes still closed and her movements clear and without a trace of an amateur touch. Yara could see the young girl's tears whipping from her face and through the air. Yara slammed her palms on the drum demanding more sound from it, demanding more life from it until finally the song ended and Asuka collapsed to her knees feeling the emotions she swore she would never show to anyone. She began to cry hard. Harder than she had ever done and Yara came to her side and wrapped her arms around her.
"Quieto, quieto my love. It's alright." Yara comforted her. Asuka continued to bellow out tears as the sudden realization of her memories came into focus. She found someone who understood. She found someone that needed to know her. It was Yara.
"I understand your sorrows child. I understand completely. We will work to get you strong." said Yara stroking Asuka's hair.
So how did you like it? Hopefully I got you pumped for the next installement.