IMPORTANT: This fanfic is connected with RahXephon's fanfic Master of Corruption. To properly enjoy this fanfic, you should read my partner's fic too. Check out my favourites in my profile to access it.

Mistress of Tyranny

Mistress's Rebellion

By Sesshy's Girl 00 and RahXephon

After the incident at the bath, where I fell on top of Kotoya, several maids escorted me back to the palace. They seemed to think that to be in my presence was by itself a great honor. I was still miffed however about being thought of as some otherworldly being, so I tried to ignore their pandering. I had no control over what others thought of me. I could only do my best to stop encouraging them more. I could tell that they didn't need it after Kotoya told everyone about me.

That was something I would have to change, Kotoya's big mouth. I wasn't sure if I could though. Kotoya seemed pretty set on insisting that I was something special. Unfortunately, I wish I could say the same, but it wasn't right. I knew all too well that I wasn't anyone special. In fact I was as fed up as everyone else, if not more so. Clearly Kotoya neglected to notice that whenever he looked at me.

Kotoya and his mouth was something else to consider along with everything else I needed to worry about. Joy.

I sighed, wondering what I was going to do now. I was clearly under the protection of Kotoya and whoever was working for him. That apparently meant that I had the freedom to do whatever I want. Of course, there were clearly others who didn't like my presence here. I imagined that there would be limits on my movements and actions to protect me from these individuals. Although I knew that the rules were for my own good; I hoped they wouldn't be too stringent on me. I liked having my freedom.

The maids had left me in my room, closing the door behind me. Boredom struck me almost instantly. With nothing to do, I went through everything in the room to see what was there to keep myself busy. Considering my personal status at the court I wasn't surprised by everything I found. I had a formidable collection of kimono's, cosmetics and jewelry among my things. There wasn't much of anything else. Looking around, I felt a faint sad and nostalgic feeling for my old room. There had been books, a camera, and mementos of much of my life in Germany. Things I would love to have in my grasp just one more time.

It was impossible to have any of that back now. Everything I owned had been completely disintegrated during Third Impact. There was nothing left of it. I would never have it back or see it again. From now on the memories would have to serve to remind me of where I had been. I closed my eyes, leaned back my head, and breathed deeply. I had to get my mind to come to terms with accepting all of this.

I opened my eyes the moment I heard some footsteps approaching. Not wanting to be caught off guard, I straightened up and made myself look as presentable as possible. I sat silently, watching the door, waiting to see who was coming to pay me a visit. To be honest, I wasn't too interested in seeing anyone right now. I preferred to be left alone with my thoughts for the moment.

The door opened and Frieda entered the room. She looked unusually dirty and overworked compared to when I had last seen her the day before. I wondered what Frieda had to do around the palace everyday. I knew she was a servant around here, so life couldn't be easy for her, not that what Frieda did or didn't do was any of my business. This wasn't my home, or world for that matter. It wasn't my place to be worrying about Frieda. But I did anyway because she was a German like me, and I dearly missed having someone to talk to in my native tongue.

That had been the worst part of my move to Japan with Unit Two. No one else spoke German so I had to converse with everyone in Japanese. I had hated every minute of it. The Japanese language had been extremely difficult for me to learn to speak and the kanji had been even harder to memorize. Often times if I didn't know a word in Japanese or was upset, I would use German to express what I felt. That would usually lead to people staring at me, wondering what I was saying. I hadn't liked that because it made me feel like an outcast or a freak.

I forced myself back to the present and away from my thoughts before they became even more depressing. Frieda smiled at me and went over to begin stoking the fire. She worked at it methodically for several minutes. I watched her patiently, letting my mind wander aimlessly. I didn't mind Frieda being here as much and I might have minded someone else. She had been kind to me during our brief time together.

"Are you hungry, Miss Sohryu?"

I looked over to see that Frieda was standing at the doorway. She smiled while she waited for me to answer her. When I didn't, she spoke again. "I can bring some food for you, if you're hungry."

"Sure. Thank-you." I replied in German.

Frieda nodded obediently and disappeared, closing the door behind her. I yawned and stretched to keep myself from falling asleep. All that running this morning had taken more of a toll on me then I had realized. I would have to rest and regain my energy. If I was to be independent of others for the rest of my life, as I wanted to be, it was mandatory that I could take care for myself.

I had made myself a promise long ago that I would take care of myself. I intended to stick to that vow. I would depend on no one other than me. That had been my motto from the day my mother had died on. I was strong, I was fearless, I was Asuka Langley Sohryu. No one else could claim that or take it away from me. I loved the power I felt at those simple words.

There was a soft knock at the door, making me open my eyes. Frieda was entering with a tray of food for me. She smiled and set it in front of me with a slight bow. I leaned over to look at what she had brought me. There were sushi rolls, soup and steamed rice. It all looked good to me. I picked up the chopsticks and began to eat ravenously. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until the food arrived. I was starved.

When I was finally done, I sat back and wiped my mouth. I relaxed in contentment, relieved to be full at last. I watched as Frieda began to clean up and feed the fire. I stretched and took a look outside. It was late and the sun was getting ready to set once more. A gentle breeze carried the salty air from the sea to where I stood. I hadn't realized or noticed it this morning. The town was next to the sea with its own harbor. The air was damp and rife with the smell of salt and fish.

I liked the closeness of the sea. During my life before Third Impact, I had never lived anywhere near the sea, or had many chances to visit. However, during my rare visits I came to love the ocean. Secretly, I always wanted to have an opportunity to live near the sea. Now I had finally gained that chance, and I intended to take full advantage of that. I didn't want to give up the opportunity to enjoy the ocean.

Frieda came up beside me and placed her hand gently on my shoulder. I slid the door back into place and returned to the table. I sat down and made myself comfortable, then motioned for Frieda to sit down on the opposite side. "Tell me about yourself. Where did you come from?"

Frieda seemed surprised that I had bothered to ask her such a question. It was likely that no one took an interest in her here at the palace. After all, she was clearly not of Asian descent and had trouble with the language as I did. She must feel lonely and isolated. I was hoping to take advantage of that to win her over to my side.

"I was born in a distant land across the sea and far north of here, in a place called Deutschland. I lived most of my childhood there but about two years ago…there was a battle near my home. I was captured during the fighting and dragged far away. I spent sixth months as a hostage in an enemy camp before I was traded to a commander in the Kaihon army who sent me here to the palace as a servant. I've been working here every day since."

Somehow I wasn't surprised by her response. It was almost like I expected her to be far from home and a prisoner of war. It was probably the nature of this world, being from so far back in the past. In this world, there was more of a feudal structure, something like Japan in the Age of the Warring States. The rest of the world must be the same way or even farther behind.

This truth of where I was had only just begun to dawn on me. I was living in the past, literally. There was no modern technology or medicine, no anything. The knowledge I had gained in university could be extremely valuable in this world. I could control the world with my knowledge alone. I had the power to change the world. The thought was both amazing and startling. I couldn't believe I had that kind of influence. Not even when I was an Evangelion pilot did I have that kind of control.

I felt a chilling wave go through my body at the very thought myself as I sat there on the ground. I could affect the very course of this world's history. Things would never be the same after I was I gone. I would see to that, even if I didn't intend to. I was too far ahead in time not to. The challenge was to decide what things I would purposely introduce and which things I would keep to myself. That should be interesting and fun…

A small devious smile crossed over the face. I could feel the old devil in me rising to the surface. I didn't fight it this time. I let it come this time and take control. I wanted to have some fun now, after spending so much time denying myself it. I needed a chance to let my inner Oni come out for a little while. I was due for a little freedom.

I closed my eyes and let my body relax for several moments. It felt pretty good just to lay here and do nothing. The peace was a nice change from all the strange stuff I had recently gone through. I intended to enjoy it while it lasted. My time and what I did with it was my choice from this moment on. I liked having total free will. It beat my former regimented NERV life by a long shot.

My regiment had been strict and aggravating, doing what I was told to do, and when to do it. There was also the lack of freedom. It was never known when the Angels would attack, so I wasn't allowed to leave Tokyo-3 unless I had special permission. The other pilots had similar restrictions, only they hadn't been as mad as I was.

I smiled happily as I let my good mood take firm hold of my soul. I never want to be sad or depressed ever again. There was no way I was going to be that sad weeping weakling I had been for a time. That was not who I was now or ever again. I was going to be relaxed, happy, positive and up beat for the remainder of my days.

I could feel myself nodding off, so I quickly rose to my feet to keep myself awake. I was not going to fall asleep just yet. It wasn't even late. I decided that I would have to move around to keep the blood and energy flowing.

I walked over to the door and opened it to look out into the hallway. Far in the distance, I could hear the gentle hum of the rest of the palace talking as they ate dinner. I had been exempted because of all that had happened. I wouldn't be required to show up until tomorrow at the earliest. I was fine with that decision.

I figured that dinner would be a mostly fruitless exercise in policy and diplomacy, so I didn't see much of a point in attending it. Of course that alone would have an effect. Ugg. This was a pain. Why couldn't anything ever go my way for once? Well, if it wouldn't go my way on its own, then I would have to make it. This might actually turn out to be interesting.

I went back into my room and closed the door behind me. There wouldn't be much time before the silent peace I had won would disappear. I should enjoy it while I had it. Before I realized it, my feet had taken over to the chest where my clothes were stored. I knelt down carefully in front of it, and lifted the lid. Inside was a collection of some of the most stunning kimonos I had ever seen. They were made of vibrant, delicate silk in a myriad of colors.

I stood in awe of the sight before me. Tenderly I lifted the top one out and held it up in front of me. A brightly colored phoenix flew across a stunningly blue background. It was almost too beautiful, even for me. I couldn't imagine myself wearing something so gorgeous. As delicately as possible I began to fold it up to put it back. That was when I saw it, a small flash of red at the bottom of the chest, which I knew all too well. There was only one thing it could be, my plug suit. I hadn't even thought of it since my arrival in this strange new world. Secretly I hoped that it was gone and I would never have to face it again. Clearly I was not in favor with whatever power had brought me to this place. They should know my need to leave the past where it was and move on for once in my life.

Unwillingly I found myself kneeling before the chest and lifting the plug suit from where it had been placed at the bottom. Holding it up in the light, I could see the colors clearly again. It almost looked like someone had cleaned it up. They shouldn't have done that. I would never wear this thing again. It was a stupid, useless dust collector.

The memories began welled up with in me like hot painful daggers. Shinji, my mother, Misato, Wondergirl, failure. It seemed like that place would never go away. Asuka, darling. You're mother hates you.

No.

Everyone hates you.

"No!"

I threw the plug suit on the ground with all my might. I hated it! I hated it! I began to stamp on it and kicked it with my feet but it did no good. The plug suit refused to be destroyed. Damit! Why wouldn't it die? Didn't understand that I needed it to go away. I hated that place and I hated those memories. In a blind rage yanked it up and tried to shred it into a million pieces.

All the while the voices taunted me from the back of my mind with the one thing I couldn't face. I was a horrible person and everyone hated me…

A half hour later I collapsed to the floor in exhaustion. Tears rolled in to hot streams down the side of my face. I just wanted it to stop, to go away… "Shinji-Baka Shinji, someone, anyone, please make it stop…"

I buried my head in my arms and bit my lip. After five minutes of deep breathing I finally gained back some form of control. I must look like such an idiot right now. What was I thinking….? Trying to destroy a plug suit and pleading to Baka Shinji…

I should have remembered that it was useless to try to destroy a plug suit. Dr. Akagi had made these things tough enough to withstand a battle with an angel. In this world there shouldn't be any technology to destroy it. It appeared I would be stuck with this red piece of synthetics for reminder of my past.

I sighed, and folded my plug suit back up with shaking hands. I placed it back in the bottom of the chest where I had found it. If I had my way, I would leave it there for the rest of my life and never touch it again. There were too many horrible memories of mine attached to it. I hoped that no one would touch it, ever. Maybe then it would rot, after enough time had gone by. That would be nice. I placed the kimono I had taken out back in the chest and closed the lid.

I could no longer hear the voices coming from the dinning hall. Dinner must be over now. Soon the palace would fall silent as everyone settled down for the evening. I knew from experience that the corridors weren't necessarily safe after dark. Some would still be up and about, searching for a chance to cause trouble. It would be best, I realized, if I didn't get tangled up with all of that again. Being kidnapped was not a pleasant experience. I figured that it would be best to sleep now and get an early start in the morning. There would be fewer opportunities for me to find trouble, or for it to sneak up on me.

As I lay down in my futon to sleep an odd thought occurred to me out of the blue. I had not bathed in quite some time. I must have smell awful by now. Taking a bath would be the first thing I planned to do in the morning. Getting clean again would make a great start to my day. With that in mind, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

The next morning I found myself awake before the sunrise. The dawn was chilly and damp with a heavy mist hanging in the air. My fire had died out during the night, so the first thing I did was to rekindle it. Frieda appeared as I was feeding my newly lit fire to keep it going. She said nothing, nor did her face betray her thought about my actions. Frieda simply nodded and went about setting my breakfast out for me. I ate slowly, savoring the taste of the food. As I ate, I explained to Frieda my desire for a bath. She nodded and assured me that one would be ready when I was finished with breakfast.

She left, and didn't return until I was done. She had a long empty tray in her hands. Frieda motioned towards my chest with clothes and explained to me that I must choose an outfit to wear for the day and lay it on the tray for her to carry. I went over to the chest and began rummaging around in it. It took me a few minutes to find one that I liked, a pale pink and grey kimono made of soft cotton. I placed it on Frieda's tray and we made out way to the baths.

As promised, there was a hot bath waiting for me. Frieda helped me untie my obi and remove my robes. I climbed into the tub and sank down into the warm water. The pleasant liquid took away all of the dirt I was covered with while relaxing my body. For the first time in ages, I no longer smelled like sweat and LCL. That was much appreciated by my nose, which had always found LCL to have a foul, disgusting odor. It was wonderful to be free of it at last. I was certainly wouldn't miss it anytime soon.

Frieda poured various concoctions of scented oils and soap like mixtures on my body and into the water. She worked these into the long strands of my red brown hair. I sat back and enjoyed the feeling of her fingers massaging my scalp. Once that was done, she turned her attention the rest of me, which was scrubbed down with equal vigor. I could almost feel the last traces of dirt being removed from my body.

Frieda handed me a simple white kimono to wear while I dried off from my bath. She summoned servants to drain the water from the tub and joined me on the way back to my room. After arriving, Frieda produced a brush and combed out my hair, while I sat on the porch area outside my room. The morning was bright and crisp around me and left me feeling hopeful about the day.

The peace didn't last for long. Frieda broke it with a simple question. "Do you know what the Prince Kotoya-sama has planned for you today?" Frieda asked me in German.

I shook my head in the negative. I had no idea what had been planned for me that day. To be honest I hadn't gotten to the point where the thought crossed my mind. By the way Frieda asked the question, I had the feeling that she knew or at least suspected something. I wanted to know what that was so I could prepare to handle it when it came up.

I turned my head slightly so that I could look at her. "Is there something I should know about Prince Kotoya's plans for me?" I asked her in German.

Frieda's face showed an instant of hesitation. The she began speaking in careful German. "He believes you will bring the province of Echigo good luck because you're an angel. He intends to make use of that to bring good fortune to our soldiers who are fighting in a distant war right now."

I was listening to what she had to say now. I had gone from being a curious cat and a chaos creator to a good luck charm. That was interesting indeed. "How?"

"I'm sorry Miss Sohryu-sama. I'm afraid I would not know."

Frieda's head and eyes dropped as she said those words. She blushed red in embarrassment. She must think she had failed me. I decided that I would have to assure her that she had done nothing of the sort. "How hard would it be for you to find out for me?" I asked sweetly.

The light came back to Frieda's eyes in an instant. "Not long at all mistress."

I smiled encouragingly at her. "Then consider that your first assignment from me."

Frieda nodded obediently and went back to brushing my hair with enthusiasm. I decided that while things may not be perfect they were going to be okay for now. There wasn't much for me to do until I found out what Kotoya was planning for me. That sounded simple enough for me to handle.

Frieda finished brushing my hair and then she began to style it up. She first worked it into several layers. Next, she folded them into a flat-layered bun. Two long pieces were left free to hang at the side of my face with my bangs. When she was done, she allowed me to look at what she had molded with my hair. I liked her work. It made me look more like a proper Japanese girl. Of course, I would never pass for one, but there was nothing to keep me from trying.

"I must go now. Do you need anything else mistress?" Frieda asked.

I shook my head and dismissed her, so she could go take care of her other responsibilities.

With nothing else to do, I took advantage of the opportunity to look around. There were quite a few people moving around the palace now that breakfast for everyone else was over. Of the faces I watched going past, I wondered whom I could trust and whom I could not. It was something I would have to learn and gain knowledge of quickly if I was going to remain here, and not be under someone else's influence. I much preferred to be in control then be under the power of another's.

I heard someone open my door, so I quickly rose to my feet to meet him or her. In my room I found Kotoya there looking for me. He smiled when I entered and motioned for me to take a seat. There was a box in his hand and my gut instinct told me that the contents were intended to be mine "Good morning Miss Sohryu-sama. I didn't know you are an early rising bird."

"I'm usually not, but today I made an exception."

"I see."

I smiled pleasantly at Kotoya, hoping to keep him off guard enough so that when I would ask my question, I would receive an honest answer from him. "To what do I owe the presence of your company this morning?" I asked in the most charming voice I could create.

Kotoya smiled eagerly and sat down across from me. He held out the box for me. I accepted the box and took it in my hands. Now that I was able to see the box up close, I could appreciate the intricate designs that had been carved into the heavy wood lid. This was a true work of art by itself. Whatever was inside must be truly impressive. Kotoya nodded encouragingly for me to open it up. I nodded back and undid the heavy metal clasps that kept the box firmly closed.

I opened the lid to see what was inside. I gasped in mild surprise. He had handed me a new red and pink kimono. I gently curled my fingers around it, savoring the feel of real silk in them. It was absolutely gorgeous.

However, I wasn't interested.

I knew that if I took this I would become a china doll on a glass pedestal. I couldn't accept that kind of life. I did not want to be sheltered and pampered, especially if it was for no reason at all.

In my mind, there was only one option for me. I needed to stretch my wings and find my own way. I wanted to test myself and challenge my skills against this new world. I was going to get out of here, no matter what.

I closed the lid and handed the box back to Kotoya. "I'm afraid I can't accept this."

A hurt look flashed across Kotoya's face. "Why not?" He asked carefully. "Do you favour another region?"

I shook my head, struggling how to explain myself to him. He had no idea what I seen or done. Kotoya had never seen the world were I grew up. This was going to be a difficult challenge for me. "It's not that. I never wanted to be anyone's puppet. I live for myself and survive on my own."

Kotoya relaxed visibly as if a great fear had been taken from him. He must have been afraid that I was purposely supporting another nation. I didn't think that Kotoya doubted my story. Maybe he had, or it was possible that he was testing me. I didn't really care to know. All I wanted was the chance to be free. If he could understand, then we would get along much better.

"You don't like to be patronized. I understand that, but all the same I can't allow you to go. You will need to remain here."

I didn't understand what he was talking about. It should be so easy to let me leave and no longer be a burden to him. Why force me to stay around when I would become a problem? It made no sense to me. Then again, there was not much I understood about this world. This could fall under the category of one of the things that were different between the two worlds. "Why not let me leave?"

Kotoya seemed to be caught off guard by the fact I did not understand what was going on. I had the feeling we were both going to have to be patient when it came to understanding each other. "You are an angel. I cannot let you fall into the hands of another province. They might be worse then I will be to you."

I nodded slowly, letting the information slowly sinking into my mind. In my mind a picture of this world was beginning to take shape. There appeared to be jealously and suspicion between the many provinces of Kaihon. Each wanted to have someone to put them above the other and give them power. I was such a source of power, since I was believed to be an angel. That made everything much clearer.

Kotoya looked much more relaxed once I assured him that I understood. Of course, what he didn't know was that just because I understood didn't mean that I would stay put. I intended to make a break for freedom, away from here. I would not be a prisoner, a changed bid, in this place. I hoped that by disappearing, things would settle down. That was my ultimate goal.

Kotoya left me, falsely believing that I would behave myself, now that we were on the same page. I waited until I was sure that he was distracted before I began to make my plans for escape. I folded up several kimonos in my futon, and removed my makeup to make myself look more like a commoner. Looking in the mirror, I knew that I was ready. There was only one other thing I needed to do now, get out of here without being caught.

I wondered how exactly I was going to do that. My hair and blue eyes made me stick out visibly. It was hard to disguise that from the rest of the world. I would need a plan to hide my identity. After a moment, I realized that Frieda could help me with that. I would have to find her and ask for help.

I rose to my feet and went out into the hallway. I looked both ways and decided that going left would be the better option. I could hear voices coming from that direction. Frieda had mentioned that the servant's quarters were down that way. I set off to the left, walking along in the narrow passageway. I kept my eyes pealed for trouble. I didn't want to be caught off guard by someone or something suspicious in my path.

To my relief I found that there was nothing to be worried about. The hallways were clear except for a few random people heading in the opposite direction. It didn't take me long to find Frieda. She was in the kitchen, which was just past the servant's quarters. When I caught up with her, she was carrying a tray of food. "Hi. Who is that for?"

"Prince Kotoya-sama."

I smiled deviously. "Do you have time to help me with something?"

Frieda nodded looking worried about what I was going to ask her for. I hoped that she wouldn't think helping me escape the palace wouldn't be too hard. It would make my escape much easier if she was aiding me in sneaking out. Frieda nodded and leaned over to get closer to me. "I will go meet you in your room when I am done, mistress."

I nodded. "Agreed."

That was all of the exchange that was needed. Frieda turned and went back on her way and I returned to my room. I went through my room in detail while I waited patiently for Frieda to arrive. It took her over half and hour to show up. She was flushed and breathing hard when she stepped through the door. "What did you want mistress?"

I took a breath and began to explain. "I can't stay here. Being cooped up is driving me insane. I want to leave and I would like your help."

Frieda nodded in understanding. She checked my role to see what I had already packed. She seemed satisfied with what I had done. "What do you need?"

"I need a way to disguise myself and slip past the guards."

Frieda nodded and made her way to the door. Before opening it she turned back to me. "The best time to leave will be during the night. I will be back with what you need at sundown Sohryu-sama."

I nodded and began fixing up my make-up to attend dinner tonight. Once I was ready, I made my way out of my room and down the hallway to the dining hall. When I entered, I found that Kotoya and several high-ranking officials were already there. All of the heads in the room turned to look at me as I stepped inside. I could tell already that this was going to be interesting dinner.

Author's Notes:

Hello everyone. Sesshy's Girl 00 here once more. I hoped you all enjoyed this previous chapter of Mistress of Tyranny. I know it has taken me a while to get this chapter out and I apologize for that. November has been a busy month for me this year. Hopefully Chapter 4 won't take nearly as long.

Well, until next time…

Last of all, the teaser:

I had barely had time to sit down when the door opened. Everyone in the room, myself included, turned their heads to see who it was. A young woman stood, framed in the open doorway. She leaned heavily on a brightly polished thick wooden cane in her right hand. She was dressed it a beautiful kimono covered in the image of falling sakura but it did nothing to disguise her sickly frame. When I looked closer at her eyes I realized that she was blind and couldn't see any of us.