A/N: Here we are again! Back into more… things. Glad to know that you reviewers are taking note of the events taking place. This time, Zack finds himself in a bit of a pickle. Let's rock!
A/O/N: Before I forget… WOOT! 603 reviews! Only 397 left! It feels so close!
A/O/O/N: And oh yes, the credit of the horror movie title: Birth of Flesh goes to Chiban-chan. Please give her a hand for the idea.
3 weeks after Chapter 61
It was a wonderful day in November in Zack's opinion. The autumn breeze was pleasant, the sign of leaves changing colour was well noticed among the trees that lay in Tokyo-3. Misato was awake without a hangover, Ivana wasn't calling him an imbecile, Rei was still Rei minus her changes which everyone had adjusted to by now, and Asuka was paying more attention to Shinji to fire off her own German insults at him.
And even better, his shoulder was feeling much better after that prank he pulled on Halloween which resulted in him getting shot by accident in the shoulder…
Flashback to Halloween Night
Everyone in the room was currently watching some pretty scary movies on the television set. Everyone including Elly was there in the room watching the last of three part movie series of the Mutilator of Tokyo. It was about a psycho who wore a mask who got his kicks and thrills by dismembering his victims alive through various tools and weapons he had.
In Zack's mind, his plan was going perfectly. Elly knew the plan and was playing along too. As expected Shinji, Asuka, and Misato were very on edge after watching all three graphic movies. Ivana and Rei were not factors in this equation. Zack and Elly had concocted a plan to scare the living daylights out of Shinji, Asuka and Misato.
Once the movies were done, Elly began to play her part, "Say Zack, can you take me home now? I'm tired and I know I'm going to have a hard time sleeping."
"No probs Princess," replied Zack who went to get his shoes on. Elly followed suit by putting on her pink shoes.
"Don't be too long now," said Misato. "It's dark, and Satanists run rampant at this time of year.
"No worries Misato. If anything, those occult people had better be scared of me. All they have are big black robes, and I doubt any of them are carrying 9mm handguns," boasted Zack proudly. "Let's go Elly."
Once they shut the door, they ran for the elevator. Zack hit the button for the lobby and down it went.
"Oh boy, I can't wait to see the looks on their faces," chuckled Elly as their ride neared the bottom. "They'll damn well wet themselves."
"Yeah. And if this goes well, we'll go for a late night treat. What do you say?" Zack proposed.
"YEAH!"
Not much later, the elevator had reached the top. The two darted out of the elevator to see the supplies they had hid by the side of the complex there earlier. Dark clothing, a ladder, a harness, a chainsaw that Zack had bought from a hardware store that day, and… a black mask.
"Okay, they should be watching Hell in a Hand Basket now," said Zack as he set the ladder.
"That should keep them busy for a while mate. I almost wet myself when I saw that back in Australia," called Elly as she watched him go up the ladder. They had set the ladder so it was right below the window where one could peek in and see the TV. When he was about twenty feet below the window, he hooked the harness to the rope that they both had installed on the roof of the building should Zack have an accident and fall off the ladder.
Chainsaw in hand, the Canadian continued to climb up the ladder, with his targets not knowing what awaited them.
Meanwhile, in the Katsuragi apartment, the others were once more on the edge of their seats with the movie that had just come on. It was called Hell in a Hand Basket, and it was definitely terrifying its residents. Shinji and Asuka were holding each other for dear life on the couch, and Misato had Rei in a tight grasp for dear life. And Ivana just watched the movie.
SCRATCH
"What was that?" jumped Shinji suddenly.
"What was what?" asked Asuka who was confused by Shinji jumping like he did out of her grip.
"I thought I heard something scratch at the window," answered Shinji.
"Relax. It was just your imagination from all these scary movies. It's not like the Mutilator is real you know," said Asuka assuring her boyfriend. "Now hold me!"
And so he did. But Shinji wasn't totally convinced that it wasn't his imagination playing tricks on him. But he wanted to avoid scrutiny from Asuka, so our top EVA pilot decided to try his best to ignore his little problem.
SCRATCH
"There it is again," said Shinji.
"Oh stop your whining!" retorted Asuka. "Grow up!"
"I heard it too," interjected Rei. "Something scratched at the window just now."
"Do you really think something's out there?" wondered Misato.
"Since I want to watch this movie," replied Asuka, "I'm going to settle this once and for all and we'll look outside to see it is nothing."
And as she was about to walk over to the window, she heard it.
SCRATCH
Now Asuka jumped. "Then again. Maybe we should just leave it closed. Why I believe our safety is in our best interests. And since we can't see this well at night, we can always check tomorrow."
It's was Ivana's turn to make a point. "Hmm, you were so bent a second ago on stating that Shinji was imagining things. Now you hear a scratching noise and you've gone nervous."
"What do you know?" shot back Asuka.
"Fine. Let's all look together," sighed Misato who wanted to get back to the movie. The movie was coming up to its few sexy points and Misato didn't want to miss it.
And so all four crept closer to the window. They stood about three feet away from the window and surprisingly, everyone stopped at once. Nobody did anything for about ten seconds when Misato then stepped forward to open the window…
Suddenly a figure shot up from the outside. He was wearing black clothing, wearing a mask, and had a chainsaw! "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" came the evil laugh.
"AHHH!"
"HOLY SCHIESSE!"
"IT'S THE MUTILATOR!"
BANG! SMASH!
Everyone turned in Ivana's direction. The Russian girl had snapped up her 9mm and shot at the masked perpetrator outside. The shot shattered the window and apparently had either hit the attacker or scared him enough to make him fall off whatever he was standing on. They then looked quickly outside the broken window to see what happened to the suspect.
To their surprise again, the suspect was hanging from a harness attached to the roof of the building, and he was yelling.
"OW! SHIT! JESUS CHRIST! YOU SHOT MY FUCKING SHOULDER YOU COMMUNIST BITCH!" yelled the masked perpetrator in English. Everyone recognized the voice of who it was.
"What… an idiot," muttered Misato.
Flash Forward
Back in the present, Zack was back to his current thought: how well this day was turning out to be so far. Once he had gotten dressed, he planned to call Elly and meet her at NERV before going to school. So as everyone else was eating whatever Misato had cooked up, and serious emphasis on 'whatever', Zack dialed the number of NERV into the telephone.
After having the receptionist redirect him to Elly's room, Zack waited patiently on the other end, listening to an odd choice of music for those on hold. After two minutes of waiting, which surprised Zack a little bit because Elly never took more than half a minute to get to the phone. Zack even remembered when Elly told him she had jumped out of the shower once to grab the phone just to talk to him. Then it was only five minutes later when she noticed she forgot to put her towel on after starting to feel cold.
"Hello," called out a somewhat groggy voice that Zack did recognize as Elly's.
"Hi Princess," replied Zack. "Is something wrong? You don't sound too well."
"Oh I've been feeling like shit all morning mate," said Elly. "Err hold a sec…"
Zack heard what he figured was Elly throwing up on the other end. It gave the Canadian an ugly feeling that told him to pass breakfast for the day. A thought then hit him, 'Oh my God, it can't be.'
"Sorry about that," said Elly as she picked up the phone, "I had to go in the garbage bin that time. I've been throwing up all morning, so the prank on Asuka will have to be postponed, okay?"
Zack did not respond right away. In fact he had gone dead silent. The others noticed it too. Misato tried speaking to the boy, "Zack is everything okay?"
Zack quickly snapped to attention. "Oh, it's nothing Misato. Elly's just feeling under the weather, that's all." He then went back to the phone. "Yeah, it'll have to wait. Patience is a key. I'll swing when you're feeling better then okay? All right. Get some rest, and have a bucket nearby. Ciao." Zack then hung up the phone, and took off for the bathroom.
Once he got inside and locked the door, he threw up yesterday's dinner into the crapper. He couldn't believe it. "This can't be happening to me. Not at my age. Not at her age," he muttered in a quiet voice. "I took the necessary precautions. And it still didn't work. Now it's coming back to kick me in the ass, or even worse it's gonna screw up both mine and Elly's lives." He pounded once on the wall, "FUCK!" was the yell following the pound on the wall.
Little did he know everyone had stopped what he or she was doing to listen to Zack's rant in the bathroom. Misato walked up to the door and knocked on it. "Casanova? Are you sure everything's alright?"
"I'll be fine," replied Zack. "I'm going to school now. I just need some time alone right now." Zack quickly got his things, and walked out the door, rather quietly for someone with his type of personality.
"That was… weird," said Misato as she walked back to the table to retrieve her morning beer.
"Well I wouldn't worry about it," declared Asuka. "Better yet, let's rejoice. He's out of the apartment early. So that's one less person to use the bathroom before we leave for school."
"That is not very nice Sohryu," put in Rei.
"Hey, he's always bothering me, and I bet he was going to try and pull some stupid prank on me. So I'm glad he's under the weather," Asuka shot back.
"Well I have nothing to do with this, so I'll stay out of it," was Shinji adding his two cents, or rather a yen.
However, Ivana was thinking differently from the others. They all knew Zack was muttering something, but what Ivana wanted to know was what he meant in his temporary monologue.
Whatever it was, it had something to do with something that involved both Zack and Elly. And apparently, something must've happened that Zack did not foresee and now he was going to pay for that.
'What could Zack have done that could possibly screw up his and Elly's lives?' Ivana wondered. 'Did he and Elly get arrested for some criminal offense? Well then again they are an offense to anyone they pass. That may explain the throwing up from the shock when they realized that they got charged. But a few things are missing. Number one is that we'd all know about it by now. And number two is that Misato would be downright pissed at the pervert. So that is out of the question,' concluded Ivana to herself. 'Perhaps Elly is just feeling sick this morning… wait a minute! No way!' she thought, 'it can't be…'
"Ivana!" called Misato to the Russian, snapping her out her reverie.
"Yes Misato?"
"Are you okay?" inquired Misato. "You went pale there for a second."
"I am fine. I was just lost in thought," said Ivana.
"What kind of thought made you go pale though?" asked Rei.
"Knowing all I've been through, there are many things that can," answered Ivana. It was a lie, but Rei bought it. She then changed the subject, "Well I suggest we get ready for school otherwise risk being late."
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Zack's mood didn't improve much on his way to school. After he left, he had bought some mints at a variety store to remove the bad breath he had from throwing up earlier. The weight of the ordeal he had found himself in was almost too much to bear. As he continued to pace, he considered going to NERV to personally to talk with Elly about the impending future. But after a lot of thought, he realized he couldn't face her after what he did. Before he knew it, he was at school. And it didn't take long for everyone to see how down in the dumps the Canadian EVA pilot was.
Suddenly, his cell phone started vibrating. So on impulse Zack checks the call display to see who it is. Unfortunately it turned out to be Elly. Not wanting to speak with her at the moment, he folded his phone back up and went into the school.
Even while he was in class, he was having difficulty concentrating. Ivana, Hikari, and Toji all noticed this. Toji decided to inquire into this matter by entering into the chat room to send Zack a message.
Zack however, did notice the message being sent to him. It was from someone named Super Jock 3000. He quickly remembered that was Toji and read the message. It stated: "Yo Z-man. What's wrong with ya? You're missing details on the teacher's sex life!"
Zack quickly fired a message back to Toji. Toji saw the message came from a user who had a name in a language he couldn't recognize (Canada Kicks Ass): "Just going through some tough times at the moment. And sorry, I don't really want to talk about it right now."
Toji, being the nosy parker he is, decided to ask Ivana for information as to what was wrong with his teammate. His message to Ivana, who also went under a name he couldn't read (Moscow) stated: "Hey Ivana. What's up with Z-man?"
Now Ivana noticed the message from Super Jock 3000. So she quickly typed back, "I think I know what the problem may be."
Toji was eager for an answer, "Tell me! Tell me!"
The response he got confused him. Ivana's message read, "I don't know exactly for sure what is wrong with him. But if my assumptions are correct, you will know the answer in less than nine months."
'What does that mean?' thought Toji to himself. 'Girls sure are weird with their riddles.' Another message then popped up on his screen. It was from Little Brown Eyed Girl. 'All right! A message from Hikari!'
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A young woman who was wearing a black hood that matched her black robe was wandering through the hallways of an unknown facility. Her identity was known to only a few. And that's how she preferred it. She passed several different rooms of the facility before she came to the place she was looking for. She stopped in front of what was a large door, which probably led to a rather large room. She waved her hand once and the doors slid open.
What was in the room was what appeared to be a factory. What the machines did in there was unknown. All she cared about though was finding the person she was looking for. And she did find that person. Another person wearing a hood whom was looking over a clipboard and giving out orders to the others in the workplace.
The other hooded person sensed her presence and turned around. It was the oldest looking of the hooded five. "Ah. What brings you here?" he asked her.
"I need to speak with you. Alone," the woman replied.
"Very well." The old man raised his hand. The factory faded out, and was replaced by a pure black room where no one could see a thing. "Take a seat." Somehow, they could see perfectly in the dark. They both took a seat in the chairs that were somehow there. "So, what was it that you wanted to speak with me about?"
"I have been watching the Children for the past few weeks now," replied the woman.
The man quickly interjected, "Why would you do that? You know the Master will be furious. He specifically ordered us to stay away from them until he said so! Shinji especially!"
"I have heeded the Master's orders," the woman shot back. "It's one of their friends I have found interest in. And don't think even for a moment it's 'that' kind of interest."
"Indeed. Whom are you speaking of?"
"A boy who used to be the closest friend of Shinji Ikari and Toji Suzahara. His name is Kensuke Aida," said the woman. An image of Kensuke appeared in the room.
"Ah I see. If my knowledge serves me well, he was one of the top contenders considered for the position of Eighth Child. He was also included in the list of candidates that was originally planned to replace Rei Ayanami when she had fallen ill." The old man was curious though, "But now I ask, what makes you interested in this boy?"
"I have watched this boy closely over the past three weeks. And I can sense the darkness growing in his heart. He used to be a happy and cheerful boy, who always wanted to pilot the Evangelions. But as the others began being selected, the darkness in his heart began to grow, with the anger of not being chosen. And now with the fact that everyone in their little social group has become an EVA pilot, and he has been left out, his heart has begun to corrode. Using his darkness, he has pushed away the others, until they have ignored him and left him alone."
"I see," replied the old man with a hint of interest in his voice.
"With your consideration, and the Master's permission. I suggest we make him an EVA pilot."
"I would agree with you, and I believe he would too," said the old man. "But where are we going to get another Evangelion from?"
The woman chuckled, "Leave that to the small one."
"Hmm, he's able to take some time away from Project V? If that's the case, I say put your hand in. I suggest you get yourself acquainted with the boy first. Appeal to his wounded heart so that he may come around to trust and confide in you. When you feel that you have his trust, then you can tell him about… what we have to offer for him. Then the test of his soul will commence."
"When you put it that way, it's like one of those parts in a movie where you're left in suspense at the life or death choice the main character makes," said the woman. "Will Kensuke Aida side with those who still think of him as a friend despite his attitude recently, or will he ultimately turn his back to them and when he does face them again, it will be on the opposite side of the battlefield."
"Only time will tell."
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Just outside Misato's Flat - After School
Much like how he had walked alone to school today, he had also walked home alone from school. Rei and Ivana were taking a while getting changed, and they would probably be home shortly. And Shinji and Asuka were also taking their sweet time coming home, probably off making out somewhere.
"Well, I guess nobody's home," said Zack aloud as he walked in the door. Finally, what had felt like forever at school was finally over. He had been asked constantly why he was feeling so glum. But he couldn't bring himself to explain to them why, for his and Elly's sake.
Speaking of Elly, Zack remembered the phone call Elly had given him earlier that he didn't answer. He sat down at the table, and took out his cell phone; Zack learned it had a message on it. He activated the message and listened to it.
"Hi Zack. From the looks of things, I'm still feeling kind of yucky. I'm going to go see Dr. Akagi and find out why I'm feeling so sick this morning. Hopefully it's something that will pass and I'll be fine."
"Yeah right. This is never going to pass. Nonetheless, I will be ready for what lies ahead."
The message went on, "I don't know I want to say this, but I will. I bet you'd wouldn't mind hearing this anyways. Regardless of what happens, whatever things Asuka or the Black Angel or anything else for that matter throws something our way, you have my solemn promise that I will always love you. I hope you have a great day at school and I look forward to the next chance I have to make out with you. Love, Elly." A sound that sounded like someone throwing up was then heard abruptly after, followed by "Aww shit! Fucking barfed all over the phone!"
Unbeknownst to Zack, Misato had then walked in the door. She had just gotten back from the Geofront with Kaji. And in her mind, that was one of the best times she had with him in a while. If it weren't for the kids being around, and no offense to them because she did love them all, she'd probably have Kaji move right in with them all.
As she looked to the table, she saw Zack who looked like he was about to break into tears. Misato had learned that Elly had been throwing up all morning. She had a remote suspicion, but the evidence was stacked against her, and the benefit of the doubt belonged to Zack.
Just then the phone rang. Misato saw Zack go to answer the phone. "Hello, Katsuragi residence," said Zack into the phone.
"Hi Zack!" It was Elly. And it sounded like she was feeling better.
"Elly? Uh how are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling just fine mate, especially after what Dr. Akagi told me."
"That's what I wanted to talk with you about."
"What about it?" Elly was confused.
"Elly," began Zack. "I know why you're sick this morning. When I look back on what we did before we went into space, I thought there would be no consequences on our part. But unfortunately, nothing is 100 percent certain. However, I am ready to do my part for when the time comes."
Misato was also a tad boggled. It really wasn't like Zack to take responsibility for anything period, even if it was his fault. Perhaps when he was with Elly, he feels more responsible for her safety and well being.
"Uh, I'm not following mate," replied Elly who was still very confused. "I got no idea you're talking about."
"Aren't you pregnant?" was Zack's sixty-four thousand dollar question. This sudden question even made Misato jump as she listened to Zack talk. She couldn't hear Elly though, no thanks to only having one phone in the apartment.
"No. Not at all Zackkie. It didn't break okay?"
"Then why were you sick then if it wasn't because of that?" inquired Zack.
"Oh it was just a stomach flu," said Elly. "It's really going around the base. Everyone's been catching it. You should have seen what happened to the Commander during a conference today!"
"Ah. Stupid me for overreacting."
"No worries mate. Don't worry. Nobody knows what happened. It's our little secret." She continued, "What you said earlier was sweet though. Maybe next time we won't need the safeguards," she chuckled.
"Let's put that off for at least seven years okay?" chuckled Zack right back. "Well I had best go, before the others get home and it becomes the subject at dinner."
"Bye bye!"
Zack hung up; completely unaware that Misato was about to unleash her fury on him. Now that she had found out that Zack and Elly secretly had sex while in the United States and under her nose, he was going to be in SO MUCH TROUBLE. He looked up to see Misato walking into the room. "Hey Misato," he called to her. He noticed that she looked very angry, "Uh, something wrong Misato?"
"Zack Harper. Sit down this instant. You and I are going to have a talk. A long talk."
Zack knew exactly what was going on, 'Holy… shit.'
A/N: And that ends another chapter. Yes. A true nightmare for both teenage boys and girls. Teenage pregnancy. My advice for those horny teenagers out there. As another author wrote in their fic (I think it was KrisRemmel, credit to him), no sex is the safest sex possible. If you really can't control yourself (I don't blame ya if your girlfriend's hot), wear protection. Hopefully the former takes precedence over the latter.
A/O/N: Well this chappie wasn't all about teen issues. This did have some plot development, so it wasn't a complete filler. So it appears our friends in 'The Hood' have an interest in Kensuke. What are they going to do to our military otaku?
Until 63, be cool!