Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy
Episode V: SEELE Strikes Back
Chapter 3 – Battle Routine Set… Execute!; Ireul Invades
April 30, 2016 – NERV HQ
A delivery of new cleanroom protein plates were being delivered, and Ritsuko was inspecting each one with Maya's assistance.
"Ma'am, why are we inspecting each one of these?" Maya asked.
"Well, it's mainly to make sure we don't ruin the cleanroom's integrity." Ritsuko explained. "Especially with the next test with the simulation bodies coming up soon, I'd rather be safe than sorry. So, we'll scan each plate with the UV scanner and then move on, we only have a few left to do."
"Will they have to wear those test plugsuits again?" Maya asked.
"No, this time they won't be wearing anything." Ritsuko said. "I'd like data of them without the aid of the plugsuits at all."
"Isn't that a little mean?" Maya asked.
"No, Maya, it's for science." Ritsuko replied. "I know Asuka and Mari will baulk, and Shinji will groan, but at least Rei will be good and not question the validity of the idea." Ritsuko smirked. 'Ahhh, Maya, such the little innocent girl… life will be so disappointing once you realize that I don't like you at all…'
"Does Major Katsuragi know?" Maya asked.
"No, if she knows, she'll tell them, then the test will be blown off." Ritsuko said. "We can't have that, especially seeing as we're running a check on the MAGI the day before. It has to be done as soon as possible." Ritsuko smiled again. 'That and I want to hear the shock and anger from those two whores when they realize that they have to be naked in front of Shinji.' Ritsuko thought savagely. 'This will teach them to complain about the test plugsuits the way they did. I'll show that whore Asuka who's the boss… and Mari too… they're both such vile girls, having opinions and standing up to my authority… they remind of Misato when she dated Kaji… and Misato was whore then too, and still is in my eyes…'
"Yes, ma'am!" Maya said. "But where are these being installed?"
"These 37 plates are going to be installed in the 87th Protein Wall adjacent to the Pribnow Box." Ritsuko explained. "That's why these are so important to check."
"Well, I scanned all the ones in my stack, ma'am." Maya said happily. "All clear."
"And I've finished mine." Ritsuko said. "No abnormalities were found, these are cleared for installation."
"So, what should we do now?" Maya asked.
"Well, we should run diagnostics on the EVAs, just to be sure they're in battle condition." Ritsuko ordered.
"Which one first, ma'am?" Maya asked.
"Unit–01 of course." Ritsuko said. "The Commander's standing orders are that all resources are to be directed at Unit–01 first."
"Right away, ma'am!" Maya said "Then I'll do Unit–XP, Unit–02, and Unit–00"
"Fair enough." Ritsuko said. "I have some paperwork to do, so I'll leave you to it." Ritsuko grimaced. 'And I want to get away from your incessant prattling.' Ritsuko thought.
"Understood." Maya replied.
As the two of them walked off, the plate on the top had a small hexagonal orange field erupt around it, and then a small red dot began to glow almost imperceptibly to the human eye. It had been activated by a chemical reaction of the powerful UV rays from the scanner.
The little red dot blinked faintly and began to start assimilating the materials around it, slowly growing from the size of a single cell to four within no time at all. As the plate was carried to the installation area, the four cells burrowed into the plate as it was lowered into the sterile heavy water to protect itself from being injured.
Ireul was online, and it was learning…
–––
Misato was walking towards Gendo's office, unsure as to why she had been called there of all places.
'I wonder what he wants…' Misato thought. 'He never calls people to his office… ever.'
Misato reached his office door and knocked.
"Enter." Came the voice from within.
Misato did as she was told and went inside to see Gendo at his desk, and Fuyutsuki standing beside him. "You wanted to see me, Commander?" Misato asked.
"Good afternoon, Major Katsuragi." Gendo said. "Yes, I called you in here to discuss an important matter."
"You are not in trouble, Major." Fuyutsuki said calmly.
"I didn't think I was, sir." Misato replied. "But I am confused as to why you called me here, Commander."
"Well, it has to do with the Tenth Angel." Gendo said, covering his mouth with his hands. "In order to congratulate you on your unorthodox, but highly effective plan, I would like to promote you to Lieutenant Colonel, effective immediately."
"What…" Misato said.
"You're being promoted, Major…" Fuyutsuki said. "Or should I say Lieutenant Colonel."
"Thank you, Commander, Sub–Commander." Misato said. "I knew the plan worked, but I caused so much damage with it, I mean, I took three EVAs out of commission, so do I really deserve it with that much of benefit."
"You only caused damage to what is designed to take this damage, Colonel." Gendo said. "The Evangelions are designed to withstand much more damage than Tokyo–3 could ever hope to take."
"The cost of repairing the Evangelions is inconsequential to the lives you saved with that stunt." Fuyutsuki added. "We can't put a price on human life, and this promotion is a way to show our gratitude."
"There is also more, Colonel." Gendo explained. "In addition to the promotion, I am placing you third in the chain of command. This is to avoid any conflict with anyone else taking control of a situation."
"Why would you give me command?" Misato asked.
"You have shown yourself to be a capable commander in times of crisis, and seeing as we both leave the base on a regular basis, we want someone who can firmly take command in the event we are both gone when an Angel attacks." Fuyutsuki explained.
"Colonel, we have known you for a very long time." Gendo said. "I believe I can say I trust you with the fate of NERV is we are unavailable. You, Fuyutsuki, and I have the same goals, to stop the Angels and prevent a Third Impact."
"Yes, sir, I am aware of that." Misato said. "I've known you both for a very long time."
"You have grown very much from the mute girl who survived Second Impact." Fuyutsuki said.
"Sub–Commander, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for what you had told me on that research ship." Misato said.
"What was that?" Fuyutsuki said. "I remember telling you lots of things in order to try and get you to talk. That and it's been a long time since that day."
"That I couldn't run away anymore." Misato said. "Now I'm facing my greatest enemy and I will destroy the Angels, even if it's the death of me!"
"Ahhh… that's it." Fuyutsuki said.
"Well said, Colonel." Gendo said. "Now, unless you have anything else you'd like to say, I assume you accept the promotion and its new privileges?"
"Yes, Commander I do." Misato said. "But I'd like to request promotions for Second Lieutenant Maya Ibuki, Second Lieutenant Makoto Hyuga, and Second Lieutenant Shigeru Aoba for their outstanding service thus far under my command, sir."
"That can be arranged." Gendo replied. "As I recall from your report, they refused to leave you alone to face the Tenth Angel. That sort of loyalty and bravery should be commended."
"What about Dr. Akagi, sir?" Misato asked.
"Well, she already has everything she desires." Gendo replied. "Is there anything else?"
"No, sir, that's all." Misato replied.
"Then you are dismissed, Colonel." Gendo said.
"A new security card and rank insignia will be issued to you in the next day or so." Fuyutsuki said.
"Understood Sub–Commander." Misato replied as she began to leave.
"One more thing, Colonel." Gendo said.
"Yes, Commander?" Misato asked as she turned around.
"Keep up the good work." Gendo said.
"I will sir, thank you." Misato said as she turned and left. When she got outside the office and the door closed behind her, she breathed deeply. "Fuck… that was an odd meeting…" Misato mumbled to herself while she went to find the bridge bunnies to tell them the good news of their promotions.
May 1, 2016 – Outside Comfort 17 Apartments
Shinji was walking home with Hikari, Toji, and Kensuke in tow. They had stayed behind to clean the classroom while Asuka and Mari went home, and Rei went to NERV for some more tests.
"Hey, Shinji, why are we walking so slow?" Toji asked.
"What?" Shinji asked.
"Dude, you're walking at a snail's pace." Toji said. "Something bugging you?"
"No, I'm just tired." Shinji said. "Didn't get a lot of sleep last night. Nothing some Nyquil can't fix, or at least I hope it can fix it."
"Shinji, using that will only get you dependent on it for sleep!" Hikari said excitedly. "Why don't I make you some tea, and get you to bed."
"Hikari, you don't have to…" Shinji said.
"Well I'm going to!" Hikari said. "As helpful as Asuka and Mari can be, after that time they tried to cook for you, you'll be better off if I do it. So the second we get there, I'm putting you in bed."
"Kinda forceful today, eh Hikari?" Toji asked.
"No, I just don't want him to get sick!" Hikari said. "Those three would be lost without him, and what happens if an Angel attacks?"
"I supposed Mari or Asuka or Rei could handle it." Kensuke said.
"Yeah, but Shinji is the best!" Hikari said. "He's been out there more than any of them! As much as Asuka brags, she knows Shinji's a better pilot."
"I didn't think her ego would allow that kind of thinking…" Toji muttered.
"Well, she just can't admit it to herself." Hikari said sullenly. "And it seems to be messing with her lately, she's just not herself."
"Well, according to the files I swiped from my dad, Shinji has the highest sync score of the four of them." Kensuke said.
"Kensuke I told you to not do that anymore, you're going to get into trouble." Shinji said.
"Ah, who cares, I'm not looking at anything classified." Kensuke said. "My dad doesn't have that kind of access."
"Still, Shinji the best ranked pilot!" Toji said. "That deserves a pat on the back!"
"Wow, and I was only going off what Asuka's mentioned, but you really are…" Hikari said. "That's impressive Shinji."
"Thanks…" Shinji said. "But it's not like I enjoy this, or being the best. I know it bothers Asuka too, and she works so hard for her score… I just wish I could help her."
"Shinji, you can't fix everything." Hikari said.
"Yeah, there's no talking to the redheaded devil, is there?" Toji asked.
"Toji!" Hikari shouted.
"Well, when she's like this, I don't like her so much." Toji said. "I don't like seeing Ikari here look all sad."
"I get your point, but it's not nice to call her names…" Hikari said.
"Hey, I know she's your best friend and all, but she's being mean again." Toji said.
"Yeah, she's a lot angrier than usual, especially towards Mari." Kensuke said. "I wonder why? I mean they were getting along fine a few weeks ago."
"Yeah, Shinji, they fighting again or something?" Toji asked.
"I don't know why…" Shinji said. "But I liked it more when we were all getting along."
"Hey, they'll be fine, stop worrying so much, pal." Toji said. "You just need to think positive. I'm sure it's just some stupid thing Mari said to piss Asuka off."
Shinji looked at Toji and wanted to tell him, but couldn't, so he sighed. "Yeah, probably something like that…"
Hikari looked at him knowingly. "Are you losing sleep over them arguing?"
"No, I just like it more when we all get along." Shinji explained. "Especially considering they share a room…"
The four of them walked up to the apartment to find Mari sitting alone in the kitchen, and Shinji could see that Asuka was in her room, alone.
"Everything alright?" Shinji asked.
"No puppy it isn't." Mari replied. "She's mad about something… but typical princess, won't say what it is so that we can fix the problem…"
"Well, that's just how she is…" Shinji said. "I'm sure it'll get better on its own."
"I doubt it." Mari said.
"I'll be right back." Hikari said. "Shinji, go change for bed, I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Yes, ma'am." Shinji joked.
"You two, head to the hospital, you should have gone there first." Hikari said.
"Yeah, right…" Kensuke said.
"Sakura will understand that I was concerned about Shinji." Toji said.
"I'll see you guys there in a little while." Hikari said.
"I know, you're tucking Shinji in." Toji said as he started to leave. "Later glasses."
"Bye, Mari." Kensuke said as he followed Toji.
"Later jock." Mari replied. "Later pervy."
Hikari rolled her eyes and went to Asuka's room and knocked on the door. "Asuka, can I come in?" Hikari asked.
"Sure…" Asuka said unenthusiastically.
Hikari walked in to see Asuka laying on her bed reading a manga. She didn't look up or otherwise acknowledge Hikari's presence in the room.
"Hey, what's up with you?" Hikari asked. "You've been avoiding us for a while, every time I try to talk to you, you disappear. Did something happen between you and Mari?"
"No…" Asuka said.
"Something must have happened." Hikari said. "You wouldn't be so angry all the time if it didn't. You're not even trying to nice anymore. You're just ignoring everyone!"
"Nothing happened Hikari, just leave it alone." Asuka said.
"Asuka, I can't help you if you won't talk about it." Hikari said. "You know Shinji hasn't been sleeping because the two of you are fighting again."
"Who cares about that idiot?" Asuka said snidely. "He doesn't like me anyway. He prefers her…" Asuka looked angrily at Hikari. "Who would want me when they can have that?"
"Asuka…" Hikari said. "You like him don't you?"
"Why would I like that idiot?" Asuka said. "He's such a bitch half the time, always apologizing and acting so meek…"
"Asuka!" Hikari said angrily. "Don't say that about him!"
"Why not, it's true!" Asuka said. "He just apologizes, and then goes and cuddles her, and kisses her… and I'm all alone!"
Hikari sat on the bed and hugged Asuka tightly. "Asuka, its ok to have feelings for him, I won't tell anyone." Hikari whispered in Asuka's ear. "I promise, you can tell me…"
Asuka, instead of shouting at or hitting Hikari as her usual defense dictated, Asuka broke down in tears and cried into Hikari's shoulder. "I just want him to like me…" Asuka cried. "I just want to be with him, but he's always with her… he loves her not me! I don't like losing… I just want him to hold me…"
"Asuka, just tell me what happened." Hikari said.
"When Mari was at the mall with Rei… I found out Shinji kissed her, and then I goaded him into kissing me…" Asuka sobbed. "It was really nice too… I felt all tingly and everything, and then she came home and interrupted it… like a fucking bitch!"
"Asuka, I'm sure she didn't mean to!" Hikari said. "Cut her some slack, will you?"
"Why are you taking her side?" Asuka asked angrily.
"I'm not taking her side, Asuka." Hikari said angrily. "I'm trying to help you by just pointing out that you need to think rationally! You need to understand and get through your head that Mari and Shinji are just friends, and that they will never be more than that! Come on, Asuka, you need to get a clue!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Asuka asked.
"Asuka, it means you need to stop sulking and find out if he likes you!" Hikari said. "He'll never like you if you're not friendly with his best friend!"
"She's his… best friend?" Asuka asked. "I thought that it was Toji and you."
"No, she's his best friend, he's always making sure she stays out of trouble and doesn't tease you too much. They know a lot about each other, I'm just his good friend, which is fine, it's not a competition." Hikari said.
"Isn't it?" Asuka asked.
"Asuka, everything isn't a competition." Hikari said. "Just try to be nicer, maybe apologize for being such a pain in the ass lately. It'll probably fix things up pretty well, then maybe you can ask him out."
"I'm not asking him out, that's the man's job!" Asuka exclaimed. "Do I have a penis?!"
"Asuka, for someone so intelligent, you're extremely rigid when it comes to gender roles." Hikari said. "Unless it gets you out of having to cook and clean that is…"
"Hey!" Asuka said. "I'm open about that stuff…"
"Really, it's the man's job to ask you out?" Hikari asked. "Come on Asuka, grow up. If you want him so bad, just ask him out yourself."
"But… I…" Asuka stammered.
"Stop, Asuka." Hikari said. "I know you have trouble with your feelings, but maybe if you just act nice more consistently, Shinji will catch on. He's not as stupid as you always claim he is you know."
"Yeah, well… he is sometimes…" Asuka said. "But do you really think after all the stuff I've done to him that he'll actually want to be with me?"
Hikari stared at Asuka for a moment. 'Well, I can't tell her about how Shinji feels… I don't want to interfere that much, but…' Hikari thought as she smiled. "I'd guarantee that given the chance, Shinji will love you forever!" Hikari said happily.
"I'd like to believe you…" Asuka said.
"Look, Shinji is a great person, just give it time." Hikari said. "Now will you come out to the kitchen with me and act civil?"
"No." Asuka said. "I'm not really ready to go out and apologize quite yet…"
"Can you at least let Mari in the room?" Hikari asked. "You know, and actually talk to her?"
"I'll consider it." Asuka said. "Maybe just a hello at least…"
"God, you're difficult at times." Hikari said.
"I know, it's part of my feminine mystique." Asuka joked.
"Well, I'm going to go tuck Shinji into bed, he needs the sleep desperately." Hikari said. "So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait, Hikari." Asuka said.
"Yeah?" Hikari asked as she paused at the door.
"Just make sure he sleeps." Asuka said. "I don't want anything to happen to him… I… uh… care about him…"
"I'll make him sleep, Asuka." Hikari said. "Just relax, and I'll take care of him for you."
–––
In Central Dogma, things were progressing steadily. Misato was extremely bored while she watched the bridge bunnies assist Ritsuko with the MAGI checkup. It had been 18 hours thus far, and Misato wanted it over with, but it was simply dragging on.
"Are we done yet?" Misato asked. "I don't like the MAGI being down for this long."
"It will take as long as it will take." Ritsuko said. "I'm not hurrying this along because an Angel may attack. We need the MAGI at full capacity for when an Angel attacks to give us the best interpretation of the data as possible."
"The sensors that detect the Angels are down though, so there could be one nearby and we wouldn't even know it." Hyuga said.
"I'm sure we'll be fine." Ritsuko said. "I think we're nearly done."
"Yes, ma'am, we are." Maya replied. "Dealing with the final nodes now, scanning and analyzation protocol A6 enacted."
"You're getting pretty fast then, Maya, if you're there already." Ritsuko said.
"Did I have any choice with you as my boss?" Maya asked.
'No, you really didn't.' Ritsuko thought. "Oh, wait a second, A8 might make this go a bit faster, let me." Ritsuko said as she reached in front of Maya and tapped the keyboard rapidly with one hand.
"Wow, you're the master Dr. Akagi." Maya said captivatingly.
"I know." Ritsuko replied.
"Final nodes show as complete, no bad sectors detected in any of the MAGI." Hyuga reported. "The only thing of note is the continued use of more memory space than originally anticipated, with differing levels of highs and lows coming from each MAGI."
"Which one is the most erratic?" Ritsuko asked.
"Casper, ma'am." Hyuga replied "It has the most variations from normal operations. Twice as many as Melchior and Balthasar combined."
"I'll have to look into that." Ritsuko said. "Send me the data, and I'll review it like all the rest."
"Right away, ma'am." Hyuga replied.
"Confirming 127th Level–1 diagnostic complete." Aoba reported. "All three MAGI had over 600PB of data fragments and temporary files scrubbed from the system, archived files have been defragmented and stored appropriately, drive I/O up to 97% optimum level, all firmware and software updates completed successfully."
"Switch to Level–5 diagnostic mode." Ritsuko said.
"Switching to Level–5, real–time self–diagnostic mode, MAGI coming back online." Aoba reported. "Interlinks reestablished, MAGI are functioning normally."
"Good job everyone." Ritsuko said.
"So, anything wrong with them?" Misato asked.
"No, that data increase is simply the MAGI using more space to think I believe." Ritsuko said.
"Boy, I'm glad you built these things, otherwise we'd have no idea what's wrong." Misato replied.
"Misato, did you forget?" Ritsuko asked. "My mother built these machines. They were her life's work. I just maintain them as my mother's legacy."
"Well, still you must be at least as smart as her to do such a good job at it." Misato said.
"Some people would disagree with you." Ritsuko said as she left the room.
Misato made to follow her, but was stopped by Hyuga. "Hey, Colonel wait a minute."
"What is it Hyuga?" Misato asked as she walked over.
"We all wanted to thank you for putting us in for promotions ma'am." Hyuga said.
"Yeah, it was nice of you to that when you got yourself promoted, Colonel." Aoba said happily. "And the pay increase ain't so bad either."
"And I get to have even more responsibilities now thanks to you." Maya said.
"Well, you guys stayed with me despite orders to get out and head for the hills, so you deserve them." Misato said happily. "I'm just glad you're all pleased."
–––
Ritsuko looked into a mirror in the bathroom.
"So, mother, your mind has checked out once again." Ritsuko said. "But why are you thinking so much? You can't have anything on your mind, the MAGI are only an imprint of the original… that kind of constant activity I just unprecedented…"
Ritsuko sighed. "But what can I do, you're in good shape otherwise."
Ritsuko looked at herself in the mirror. "I just wish I were able to be sealed away somewhere and left to solve problems all the time… I wouldn't have to worry about aging so much if I were like you…"
–––
Hikari walked into Shinji's room holding a cup of tea. Shinji was sitting in bed, and was waiting patiently for her.
"Here Shinji." Hikari said handing him the tea. "Drink up."
Shinji took the tea silently and drank it in one long sip and then handed the cup back to Hikari. "Thanks…"
"You're welcome." Hikari said.
"So, did you get anywhere with Asuka?" Shinji asked.
"Yes, I did." Hikari said. "I also found out why you're not sleeping so well…"
"She told you then…" Shinji said.
"Of course she did, once I poked her ego a bit." Hikari said. "Why didn't you tell me you two kissed, and why didn't Mari?"
"I was afraid to… it went so horribly when Mari got there, but it was nice before that, I was all tingly and everything." Shinji said. "I was… embarrassed…"
"Shinji, why were you embarrassed?" Hikari said. "She must like you if she kissed you, right?"
"I'm not sure, she got so mad after Mai showed up and ran off to her room… I tried to talk to her, but she just slammed the door in my face… and I heard her cry…" Shinji teared up as he spoke. "She must hate me now… and Mari too, that's why she's not talking to me anymore. She hates me and it's all my fault!"
"Shinji, it's not your fault." Hikari said consolingly. "You just need to give her time. Asuka's not good with feelings, so if she likes you, it'll have to be on her own terms, it can't be forced. You should know that."
"I know, I just don't like when she doesn't talk to me…" Shinji said sadly.
"Hey, just cheer up, Shinji." Hikari said. "Asuka said she'll try and be nicer tomorrow, and she's not mad at you, just at Mari."
"Then why isn't she talking to me?" Shinji asked.
"Pride." Hikari said. "She doesn't like seeming weak in front of others, it pisses her off."
"Figures…" Shinji muttered. "I just wish she'd let me help."
"Shinji the best thing right now for you is to keep your distance till she talks to you again." Hikari said. "But more importantly, it's time for you to sleep."
"But…" Shinji said as he started to feel groggy. "What was in that tea?"
"Oh, it's just a special blend I have that helps put people to sleep." Hikari said. "All natural botanical sleep aids, much better than Nyquil."
"Oh…" Shinji said as he nodded off and slumped down on his pillow.
"Awww, poor thing… I didn't think it would work that fast… he must be really tired…" Hikari said quietly as she moved forward to help him. She adjusted him so he was actually laying down properly and not slumped over, and then covered him up with his sheet. Hikari then kissed him lightly on the forehead. "She loves you dummy, just be patient." Hikari whispered as Shinji snored quietly.
Hikari then left and saw Asuka's door was still closed, and went out to the kitchen where Mari was still sitting alone.
"So, freckles, what took so long?" Mari asked.
"Well, I found out what happened this time." Hikari said.
"Yeah, shocker." Mari said.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Hikari asked. "We're supposed to be both be helping to get those two morons together."
"I know, but Asuka was being super bitchy, and I thought it would blow over sooner." Mari said. "Clearly it didn't."
"Yeah, obviously." Hikari said. "But you can to your room finally in a little while."
"Oh, you convinced her I'm not Satan?" Mari asked.
"Well, I told her if she wants to date Shinji, she has to be nice to his best friend." Hikari replied. "That's true, isn't it?"
"Yeah it's true, she would have to be nice to me…" Mari trailed off. "Wait, she finally admitted she likes him?!"
"Yeah, in tears. She was angry cause you interrupted them like you ruin everything." Hikari said quietly.
"It's not my fault…" Mari said. "I watched them for a good minute before I had the will to speak again… I thought it would be best not to mention how long I had been watching."
"Yeah, good call, Mari." Hikari said. "And you know what else is weird, they both said they felt tingly when they kissed. That must be love, right?"
"It is." Mari replied.
"So, then how do we get them together?" Hikari asked.
"Well, neither one knows they like the other, but desperately want the other to like them." Mari postulated. "So, we'll use the tried and true method of subterfuge."
"We're going to tick them?" Hikari asked.
"Yeah, start off with scheduling them to clean together a few times." Mari said. "Then I'll suggest to Asuka she plan a party for Shinji's birthday, I can go hang out somewhere else to give them time alone, and not come back for the night or something…"
"So you're going to trick them by making it seem like their alone together a lot?" Hikari asked. "Isn't that mean spirited?"
"No, we're going to trick them, freckles." Mari said. "And it's not mean spirited because it's for the right reasons."
"If you say so…" Hikari said as she looked at the clock in the kitchen. "But it's late, so I need to get home."
"Well, then we'll start when things calm down." Mari said. "And I'll mention the party to her sometime in the next few weeks."
"Ok, I'll set them up for cleaning duty together a few times in the next month." Hikari said. "Maybe this plan of yours will work."
"I'm sure it will, but those two just need to be less dense about each other." Mari said.
"Yeah, you're not kidding." Hikari said as she got up. "Goodnight, Mari."
"Night freckles." Mari replied. "See you tomorrow."
–––
Gendo was sitting calmly in his office as Fuyutsuki arrived with his daily report.
"Ah, Fuyutsuki, what news?" Gendo asked.
"Well, the MAGI are back online, with nothing to report." Fuyutsuki said.
"What about the data usage anomalies?" Gendo asked.
"From what Akagi tells me she believes that the MAGI are simply thinking more to solve issues, and wants to move to a bi–monthly diagnostic." Fuyutsuki explained. "I said I'd have to run the idea by you."
"Well, I see no problem with it." Gendo said. "Do you think she'll ever figure out that her mother's soul is inhabiting that machine?"
"I doubt it. Akagi is too wrapped up in herself to notice things like that and writes it off as a statistical anomaly." Fuyutsuki said. "I just hope that woman is suffering in there."
"Naoko is suffering, Fuyutsuki." Gendo said. "She has to deal with the fact she killed Rei every day, and then look at her every time someone brings up her file. Then of course, she knows by now that her daughter and I daughter are still seeing each other. I'm sure she's filled with regret, the old hag that she is."
"I hope you're right." Fuyutsuki replied.
"Fuyutsuki, I'm always right." Gendo replied smugly. "How do you think I stay three steps ahead of SEELE and their diluted plans?"
May 4, 2016 – NERV HQ
The four pilots were in simple hospital gowns as they were going through an extensive cleaning process for using the simulation bodies this time around. Each pilot was slightly red from all the scrubbing and high pressure water rinse they had received. When they got to the final cycle each one was told to take off the gown and deposit it. When they arrived out in the final area before the doors to their Entry Plugs, they had small rigid plastic privacy screens in front of them, but could see everyone else's bare shoulders. Asuka was on the left with Shinji to her right, Mari to his right, and Rei to Mari's right. They all looked at each other in a puzzled fashion until Ritsuko came over the speakers.
"The cleaning process has been completed, please head to the Entry Plugs now." Ritsuko said over the loud speaker. "There will be no need for a plugsuit."
"Understood, Dr. Akagi." Rei said.
"Really?" Shinji looked to both sides and saw both girls were pissed. "Oh boy…"
"The hell we are, we're naked!" Asuka shouted.
"I do not care your opinions." Ritsuko said. "After the last test in the simulation bodies, the data pointed to needing a purer sample."
"A purer sample of what?" Mari asked. "Our sweat?"
"A purer synchrograph sample direct from our bodies without the interference of a plugsuit." Ritsuko explained. "Your sensibilities about this are not my concern."
"This is so embarrassing…" Shinji said.
"They fucking well should be!" Asuka shouted. "I'm not walking in front of everyone naked!"
"Yeah, the fuck is your problem?!" Mari shouted. "You too much of a pussy to tell us in person before we went through the fucking wash cycle, so you wait to tell us so we can't walk away?"
"I did not see it as relevant." Ritsuko said. "This is an order, comply."
"Fuck you!" Asuka shouted. "You never consider people's feelings about anything because you're a rigid bitch!"
"One more word out of you and I will pull your authorization to pilot." Ritsuko warned.
"You can take that threat and shove it up your tight wad ass." Asuka said angrily. "I'm not walking out in front of people!"
"Yeah, this is revenge for us complaining about those whorish looking things you made us wear the last time." Mari said. "You're some kind of twisted sadist!"
"Alright, I've had enough of this. You're not pulling anyone's authorization to pilot, Ritsuko." Misato said. "I wasn't informed of this ahead of time, and it's not like there wasn't plenty of time to warn them."
"It was not a matter I considered relevant." Ritsuko said coolly. "The test has to be done this way, and no amount not of complaining is going to change it."
"Bullshit!" Asuka shouted. "I'm not doing this naked!"
"Yeah, neither am I!" Mari shouted. "I have standards you know I'm not someone who goes around showing off!"
Shinji shook his head. "Guys, I'm cold… can we just do the test…"
"No, I don't want you to peek!" Asuka shouted.
"Asuka, I'm not going to peek…" Shinji said.
"Kids, this isn't up for debate…" Misato started.
"Comply with the orders!" Ritsuko said angrily.
However, Fuyutsuki interrupted them both. "Enough, Dr. Akagi."
"Sir?" Ritsuko asked.
"This was extremely unprofessional on your part doctor." Fuyutsuki said angrily. "Perhaps if Dr. Akagi had informed Colonel Katsuragi ahead of time this outburst could have been avoided. The Commander will not authorize a pilot's revoking of flight status over a squabble like this. It does seem rather deliberate if I may so." Fuyutsuki said sternly. "However the fact remains this test must be completed. Ms. Soryu, Ms. Makinami, I have checked that the video monitors are off, you will be afforded every privacy, and I assure you this sort of secrecy won't be occurring again. We will give you some time to decide how you all get to your Entry Plugs."
"Thank you, Sub–Commander." Mari said.
"Yes, thank you for having some common decency…" Asuka said angrily. "Unlike some people…"
"Thank you, sir." Shinji said.
"Contact us when you are in position in your Entry Plugs, and the test will commence." Fuyutsuki said.
"Understood, Sub–Commander." Rei replied.
"So, how are we doing this?" Mari asked. "I don't really care how."
"I'm going last." Asuka said. "I don't want the male to see me all exposed like this."
"Asuka, I'm not going to look!" Shinji exclaimed. "I'm not like that!"
"It does not matter to me, you all have seen me without clothes, as I have seen all of you." Rei said. "I will go first."
"Hold on… all of us?!" Asuka asked angrily.
"Yes, you have all seen me nude before, and I have seen you all in the same state of undress." Rei repeated. "It does not phase me to be seen without clothes."
"Good to know blueberry." Mari joked.
"Baka!" Asuka shouted. "You've seen her naked?!"
"What…" Shinji exclaimed. "Asuka… it's not… not like… it was an accident… I was… her card… she came out of the… hospital… it was an accident… I didn't know… I'm sorry… it was an accident…"
Mari looked at Asuka. 'Well, maybe a bit of jealously will give her some imitative to ask him out…' Mari thought. "Jeez, princess, leave him alone, I'll go with Rei too, you've all seen me as well, and vice versa."
"WHAT!?" Asuka screamed. "BAKA, EXPLAIN! NOW!"
Shinji was frantically stammering now. "I… accident… she… shower… my room… accident… sorry… not my fault… wasn't supposed to happen… towel dropped… surprised… accident… just happened… sorry…"
"So you've seen them all naked, and you won't look at me?!" Asuka shouted. "Do I repulse you or something?! Answer me damn it!"
"I didn't mean… wasn't supposed to happen… respect you… not a pervert… accident…" Shinji stammered incoherently. "Didn't mean for… wasn't expecting… don't hate me… not like that… accident… not my fault…"
"Stop fucking stammering!" Asuka screamed as she shook Shinji over the partition. "Look at me damn it! Am I not good enough for you?"
Rei stepped out of her cubicle and walked over to Asuka's.
SLAP
Asuka let go of Shinji and staggered backwards, holding her face. "What the fuck, wundergirl?! You wanna go?!"
"No, I simply wished for you to stop shaking Shinji like a rag doll." Rei replied. "You have caused him some considerable trauma in the last few minutes."
"I have not, he's not answering my question!" Asuka said angrily. "He's seen you two, but won't even look at me! He must think I'm ugly!"
"Ok, Asuka, it's not all about you." Mari said as she walked over to Shinji's cubicle and hugged him from behind. "It's ok, puppy, just breath…" She said calmly in his ear.
"Shinji did not wish to see me naked." Rei said. "It was simply an accident, as was when I saw him nude, he tried to apologize to me as I left his hospital room and did not realize he was nude."
"Yeah, and I surprised him by being in his room naked as a joke, and he dropped his towel. It just… happened." Mari fibbed. "He didn't look for us, he's not a pervert. He's just being respectful of you, you fucking ass."
"Wait, it was all…" Asuka muttered.
"Yeah, an accident like he kept rambling cause you gave him what looks like a panic attack." Mari said angrily. "Do you ever think about how you treat others? That maybe they don't like you because of shit like this?"
"I…" Asuka muttered.
"Thought about something with your head up your ass." Mari said. "Which just gives you fucking shit for brains."
"Asuka, you became irrational at the thought of Shinji having seen us nude, yet he has not seen you." Rei said. "Why are you jealous exactly?"
"I'm not jealous, I'm just annoyed!" Asuka shouted.
"Ok… why are you annoyed?" Mari asked. "There isn't any logical reason why you'd be mad he hasn't seen you naked, you hate perverts." Mari smirked. "Unless there's some other reason you're not telling us."
"I don't have to explain myself to you!" Asuka shouted. "If the fucking pervert won't look, he'll never see what he's missing!"
"Sorry…" Shinji muttered. "Asuka I'm sorry…"
"Why are you apologizing puppy?" Mari asked.
"For not looking… I thought I shouldn't…" Shinji said quietly. "I made her mad again though… I don't know why she's mad… I don't want to lose a friend…" Shinji looked over towards Rei. "Will looking make her happy?"
"Will it, Asuka?" Rei asked.
"I don't fucking know!" Asuka screamed. "Just shut up, all of you!"
"Jesus, princess, you broke him." Mari said. "Now what will make you happy? Can he actually look?"
"No! The idiot missed his chance!" Asuka said and stormed off to her Entry Plug in a rage.
"Well, I guess that's that…" Mari said. "Blueberry, I'll help him to his Entry Plug, just go to yours, ok?"
"Alright, Mari." Rei replied as she walked off.
"Are you better puppy?" Mari asked. "Can you breathe again?"
"Yes…" Shinji said. "I'm fine…"
"Come on puppy, let's get you to yours." Mari said.
"Mari, will she ever like me?" Shinji asked. "I keep screwing up… she'll never love me… and I'll lose her as a friend too… that's the last thing I want…"
"No you won't, puppy." Mari said. "This is just her heart battling her mind. The heart will win out eventually, the mind is just too stubborn."
"How do you know?" Shinji asked.
"I just do." Mari said. "Now get in the Entry Plug, and we'll talk later."
"Ok…" Shinji said as entered his own Entry Plug.
Mari smiled at his retreating form. "Perfect… it worked…" Mari muttered as she went into her Entry Plug. "She feels guilty now… maybe she'll ask him out of guilt…"
–––
In the Pribnow Box, Misato, Ritsuko, and Maya were standing and waiting while looking at the four simulation bodies submerged in the heavy water in front of them.
"Are the delinquents in the Entry Plugs?" Ritsuko asked.
"Ritsuko…" Misato warned.
"Yes, ma'am." Maya said. "All four have said they are ready."
"Any problems?" Misato asked.
"Asuka's blood pressure is through the roof, and Shinji's adrenaline levels are dangerously high, and Mari and Rei also have elevated adrenaline levels and blood pressure." Maya reported. "I hope nothing happened…"
"Asuka's probably been shouted her head off, causing Shinji to panic." Misato said. "I blame this on you, Ritsuko. You should have known better, seeing as you're so fucking smart."
"Well, I didn't think it would matter." Ritsuko said. "I wasn't asking them to copulate, I was asking them to help us improve the sync system so they can fight more effectively!"
"Jesus Christ, and you call me the pervert?!" Misato yelled.
"Well, I said I wasn't asking them to do that!" Ritsuko said back.
"Please, stop it ma'am… and you as well Colonel." Maya pleaded. "The sooner this test is done, the sooner they can all try and put this unpleasantness behind them."
"Fine, begin the test, Maya." Ritsuko ordered. "Activate the all the simulation bodies and link them with the appropriate Evangelion."
"Right away, ma'am." Maya replied as she typed at her console.
–––
In Central Dogma, Hyuga and Aoba were monitoring everything in case of a surprise Angel attack with Fuyutsuki in command, as Gendo had stepped away for some important business.
"Sir, I'm detecting a heat signature in the 87th protein wall." Aoba reported. "I have the maximum magnification on the plates in question, there seem to be just a bunch of glowing dots, like some kind of mold, but it's putting off a lot of energy a well."
"What?" Fuyutsuki asked. 'Well… it seems Ikari was right… SEELE is striking us now…' Fuyutsuki thought. 'How clever to attack in this way from the inside…'
"Orders, Sub–Commander?" Hyuga asked.
"Analyze the entire area with full sensors immediately." Fuyutsuki ordered. "That area of the base may have been hastily built, but there is no reason sections of newly replaced protein wall should be heated up so much."
"Sending in the drones now, sir." Hyuga replied. "Wait… this can't be right…"
"What is it Lieutenant Hyuga?!" Fuyutsuki asked.
"Sir, we're getting a Pattern Orange from the protein wall… that entire glowing section is giving us sensor feedback." Hyuga reported.
"How far are you from the target?" Fuyutsuki asked.
"150 meters sir." Hyuga replied.
"Get within 10 meters and reanalyze." Fuyutsuki ordered.
"Roger." Hyuga replied. "Sensors are in range… scanning now…"
"Bringing up a visual sir." Aoba said.
The wall in the question was now displayed in front of them, and it was glowing an odd orange color as well as partially boiling the water around it. It seemed to be almost alive the way the lights flickered in some indecipherable pattern.
"Well?" Fuyutsuki asked.
"It's confirmed as Pattern Blue!" Hyuga shouted as he flipped the switch next to his station. "Declaring Level–1 battle stations! The 11th Angel is inside the Sigma Unit!"
"Inform Dr. Akagi and Colonel Katsuragi at once!" Fuyutsuki ordered.
–––
"Wait, the Angel is inside the base?!" Misato shouted. "How the hell did that happen?"
"We do not know, however you need to get the pilot to safety." Aoba said.
"Understood, Lieutenant." Ritsuko said. "Pribnow Box, out."
"Ma'am, something is trying to access our systems, and the simulation bodies." Maya reported. "I'm doing my best, but they keep ripping down the firewall."
"Maya, eject the Entry Plugs now!" Ritsuko ordered. "Sequence Omega–055!"
"Roger." Maya said. "Initiating Omega–055, Entry Plugs have been released and are floating up to Lake Alcion."
"Good, now what's going on out there?" Ritsuko asked.
"Something is taking over the simulation bodies." Maya said. "I think it's trying to go somewhere."
"Good luck to getting somewhere with no legs and barely functional arms." Misato quipped.
"Ma'am, they're breaking though the firewalls in the simulation bodies, they've been compromised." Maya reported.
Ritsuko looked out and saw all four of the simulation bodies were glowing red orange like the protein wall was, and they were interconnected by think stands of the Angel wrapping itself around everything the Pribnow box could observe.
"That grew exponentially fast…" Ritsuko said.
"Yeah it's only been a few minutes." Misato said.
One of the simulation bodies twitched as it also began to glow.
"I think we should get out of here." Misato said. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Maya, pull all the data connectors and hard drives, quickly!" Ritsuko ordered as she moved forward to help. "We have to stop this thing from spreading the best way we can, don't give it direct access!"
As the simulation body began to make more threatening movements the two women moved to pull all connections to the consoles in the Pribnow Box.
"Done, ma'am." Maya said.
"Good, let's move." Ritsuko said.
Just as the three of them ran out, the simulation bod closest to the window shot it arm out and punched through the observation window, flooding the Pribnow Box with heavy water.
–––
Ritsuko arrived in Central Dogma to even more confusion. In the time it took the three of them to get there, Ireul had been able to access the main computer through the cables imbedded in the walls of the Pribnow Box. On the main screen, the MAGI were being displayed with Melchior being half red, while both Balthasar and Casper were still blue.
"What the hell is going on, why are the MAGI like that?" Misato asked pointing to the main screen.
"We're being infiltrated." Fuyutsuki said. "By the Angel."
An error flashed on the screen. "DENIED: AUTONOMOUS SELF–DESTRUCT SEQUENCE REQUIRES UNANIMOUS MAGI DECISION."
"Oh shit…" Misato mumbled. "They're trying to kill us all!"
"Ma'am, we're having trouble keeping it out of the other systems!" Hyuga reported. "We're doing our best, but it just keeps bypassing any change we make!"
"Someone shut off that alert." Gendo said appearing out of nowhere.
"Commander?" Fuyutsuki asked.
"Shut off the alert and launch the Evangelions to the surface immediately." Gendo ordered. "We don't need the pilots, we just need the EVAs as far away from this Angel as possible, lunch them to the outskirts of the city and standby."
"Yes, Commander." Aoba replied.
"What happened?" Ritsuko asked.
"We noticed it was evading the ozone between the heavy water and the water, so we flooded the area with the stuff, and then as it started to die, it began to grow again and now it's gotten almost unstoppable." Hyuga explained.
"So… it can adapt and evolve…" Ritsuko muttered. "Those glowing lines… it's an organic computer system!"
"Wait, it's a what?" Misato asked.
"The Angel is a living computer, capable of rapid evolution to adapt to its circumstances." Ritsuko explained. "Hyuga, open as many false ports as you can, distract it, Maya, begin shut down procedures for Balthazar and Casper, Melchior will have to be forcibly shut off."
"Roger." Hyuga and Maya replied.
"Status of Melchior?" Ritsuko asked.
"Almost hacked all the way through." Hyuga reported.
"Unit–01 is on the surface, prepping Unit–02 next." Aoba reported.
"I'll set up firewalls around each sent of the drives, we've got to put in some effort…" Ritsuko said. "I'm also erasing the network paths for each subsystem. That should slow them down."
"Won't that disable the MAGI?" Fuyutsuki asked.
"It's better than the alternative." Ritsuko replied.
"Begin severing the connections." Gendo ordered.
"Working on it, sir." Ritsuko replied.
"Melchior has fallen and Balthazar and Casper are being infiltrated!" Maya reported.
"Setting up final firewalls in Casper, abandoning efforts on Balthazar." Ritsuko said.
"Just hurry." Misato said.
"The Angel has control of Balthazar!" Hyuga shouted.
The error flashed on the screen again. "DENIED: AUTONOMOUS SELF–DESTRUCT SEQUENCE REQUIRES UNANIMOUS MAGI DECISION."
"Ritsuko, get the lead out…" Misato said.
"I'm going as fast as I can…" Ritsuko said in a worried tone. 'I'm not going to make it…' Ritsuko thought as she typed frantically.
"Casper has three nodes left!" Hyuga shouted. "We're almost out of time!"
"I know!" Ritsuko snapped.
All of a sudden, a single node in the corner of Casper displayed blue and the alert went away and another message was displayed on screen. "UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS HALTED, CODE 666 FIREWALL PROTOCOL ENABLED. FIREWALL INTEGRITY AT 100%"
"Good job Ritsuko!" Misato said happily.
"Yes, excellent work, Dr. Akagi." Gendo said. "I didn't realize you could work that fast."
"It's a gift sir." Ritsuko said. 'How did it activate? I still had to enter another 40 lines of code… unless there were fragments of the 666 coding in the system already…' Ritsuko thought. 'I don't know what did it, but I need a plan to kill this Angel, we don't have the Evangelions, so it's up to me…'
Gendo looked down at Ritsuko. "So, what do you think, Fuyutsuki, does she look like someone who's as surprised as we are?"
"Undoubtedly." Fuyutsuki replied. "I believe the soul in the machine assisted us today."
"Well, at least that old hag is still finding a way to be useful." Gendo said.
–––
In a bright white space surrounded in a blue haze stood a woman in red. Outside the blue haze was a black fog that swirled around the blue haze like a threatening storm.
"So, you thought you'd waltz into my home and try and destroy my life's work?" Naoko shouted angrily. "Fuck off!"
"We are Ireul, lower your defenses and surrender yourself." The fog said ominously. "We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. You will adapt to serve us. Resistance is futile."
"Yeah, not happening you Angelic freak!" Naoko said. "You're not destroying what I died for! You're not going to destroy the thing I worked my whole life for!"
The fog slammed into the blue haze several times and bounced off each time. Ireul spoke again. "You will be assimilated into the collective. Resistance is futile."
"And yet I'm still resisting!" Naoko said, her eyes wild with rage. "I can't wait to see you die in front of my very eyes… or maybe I'll kill you myself! You wouldn't be the first Angelic bastard that I'd have killed!"
"This will not last forever, we will destroy you." Ireul said as they slammed into the blue haze once again. "You will be assimilated."
"Yeah, keep slamming the field, that'll break it…" Naoko said sarcastically. "I may have some hope of not dying, if my useless whore of a daughter can get Gendo's tiny cock out of her mouth, maybe she'll be able to kill you! But she isn't anywhere near as smart as me, so it's a tossup… so if it comes to it, I'll kill you myself you son of a bitch."
"We will adapt." Ireul replied.
–––
Shinji was sitting patiently in his Entry Plug. It was dim inside of it, and the LCL was beginning to get cooler. Shinji kept trying the comms to no avail.
"Hello, is anyone out there?" Shinji asked. "Does anyone copy?"
No response.
"Great… now we're floating naked in our Entry Plugs without any communications…" Shinji said. "This test sucks… first we have to get naked, then Asuka yells at me for not looking at her, then I have a panic attack in front of her and she storms off… then from the sounds of it, an Angel was attacking too… I don't think today could get any worse unless Asuka somehow hates me even more."
Shinji shook his head. "Boy, I just don't understand her… she wants me to look at her then says I missed my chance… does she like me or not? It certainly seems that way with her reaction today… but I still don't want to risk setting her off by asking her out. I'll have to ask Mari and Hikari for even more advice about this… I just wish I could read minds so I could find out for myself." Shinji sighed. "Boy that would makes things so much easier."
"So if I had to make a wish, I'd wish for Asuka to ask me out, then I'd know for sure." Shinji said. "I just hope she does…" Shinji said sadly. "I want that feeling back from when we kissed. If I felt like that all the time, piloting the Evangelion wouldn't seem so bad, and the world would probably feel brighter… all because of Asuka…"
–––
Mari was reclined in her Entry Plug, with her hands behind her head and was trying to take a nap, however her thoughts kept her from accomplishing that particular feat.
"God, I'm so fucking bored I can't even bring myself to masturbate. Well, that and the LCL makes it feel really weird…" Mari muttered. "I blame that dumbass Akagi for this… I could be home right now watching porn, but I'm stuck floating in some artificial lake inside this dumb Entry Plug horny and in the dark."
Mari glanced down at herself. "Well, at least I look damn good like this." Mari laid back and sighed. "Well, no use complaining about what I can't do right now. I'll just do it the second we get home… crap the prude will be in a bad mood, so I can't… damn her."
Mari frowned. "Asuka, why are you so split in whether or not you like Shinji?" Mari asked no one in particular. "I mean, you told Hikari you like him, yet you give him a panic attack after learning something fairly innocuous about him having seen Rei and me naked… I didn't think she'd react that way… but with all this alone time, maybe Asuka can start to pull her shit together. Maybe she can finally admit to herself she likes the kid and just ask him out already, before she kills him from stress or a heart attack…"
"I just hope my little plan helped more than it hurt…" Mari said sullenly. "I want them to get together… I saw those memories of theirs when I visited them, and they liked each other that day they met… I just wish they'd remember already. They belong together…"
–––
Maya and Misato were on the MAGI level of the Commander Center. They were watching as Ritsuko fooled around with Casper's casing, suddenly making it extend upwards from the floor revealing a hatchway and several dozen interweaved pipes while an alert was being sent out over the loud speakers.
"Attention all NERV personnel, there has been a radiation leak in the lowers section of the base, all non–essential base personnel are ordered to evacuate immediately."
"So, Ritsuko, what is this?" Misato asked.
"The access to the inside of the MAGI, Misato." Ritsuko replied as she opened the hatch. "This is what make the MAGI tick."
The trio crawling inside the surprisingly spacious interior.
"Ma'am, what are all these notes and scribbles here?" Maya asked.
"These are the designer's notes." Ritsuko said. "My mother's notes on how she made the MAGI. I used these to duplicate the system for distribution to every NERV base in the world. But the originals still far surpass the expectations of any other computer system."
"Why is that?" Misato asked.
"I assume because my mother made this one, and I made the others." Ritsuko said. "The others all work within the design parameters, while this one always exceed the other's processing speed and memory usage."
"Perhaps your mother kept one thing secret about this one so it could not duplicated." Maya said. "She made one special one to signify her life's work."
"Well, her mind is the one inhabiting this MAGI, so perhaps that is the difference." Ritsuko replied. "I don't know how her mind would make everything work better and faster, but I won't complain, seeing as this computer does so much to protect us from the Angels."
"So, with the notes, you'll be able to pull off your Angel hack quicker I imagine?" Misato asked.
"Yes, we'll get right to work." Ritsuko said. "Misato, hand Maya anything I ask for." Ritsuko said. "Maya, you'll be coding with me, I'll need the additional set of hands."
"Right, ma'am." Maya replied.
"Hey Ritsuko, will this plan of yours work?" Misato asked.
"We don't have any other choice but for it to work, Misato." Ritsuko said.
"I'm sure it will work, ma'am." Maya replied.
"I sure hope so." Ritsuko said as she pulled off Casper's covering, revealing a synthetic brain. "I really hope so…"
–––
Rei was staring at the dorsal hatch of the Entry Plug and quietly thinking as she waited patiently for rescue.
'Asuka is odd.' Rei thought. 'She reacts so harshly towards Shinji, and yet when he wants to comply with her request, she once again changes her mind.'
Rei sighed. 'I may not be well versed in social behavior, but I can even tell Asuka has some sort of feelings for Shinji. Someone only gets that angry over someone they care for in some manner. Mari even acts similarly towards me, so does that mean she has feelings for me in some fashion? I did not think that I would be worth that sort of attention, but it does feel… nice… to be wanted. Shinji cares for me too, but in a different way I suspect, I am just unsure exactly what capacity he cares however.'
Rei breathed deeply. 'Perhaps I am not as alone as I once thought I was…' Rei smiled. 'Perhaps I am worthy of being human after all…'
–––
Asuka was sitting angrily in her Entry Plug. The more silence she endured the more angry she became. She kept clenching her fist as if she was imaging beating someone to death.
"I hate this fucking shit. When I get out of here, I'm kicking Akagi's ass till it bleeds." Asuka said angrily. "I'm here naked and cold, and I can't get out of this stupid fucking thing because I'm naked!"
Asuka took a deep breath. "Just gotta relax, Asuka… you don't want to keep fucking things up today…" Asuka sighed deeply. "Yeah, I totally fucked up today… I mean, why did I even get so angry at Shinji anyway? Does it even matter if he saw those two naked? I mean, I could have actually killed him if Rei didn't slap me out of it… but he didn't even want to peek at me… does that mean he thinks I'm ugly? Or does he view me as a bitch because of how I am around him…"
Asuka paused for a moment as she felt tears well up inside her. "I mean… if he did view me like that, it's well deserved. I treated him like shit today… I gave him a panic attack because I felt ugly… and I am ugly… he won't even look at me, and only have myself to blame… and I couldn't even explain why I felt the way I did… he even offered to look, and I refused him and his kindness… I'm so fucked up…"
A few tears escaped Asuka's eyes and mixed with the LCL. "But why did I feel that way when he rebuffed me… is it because I don't just like him… is it because I feel more towards Shinji?"
Asuka paused again as her mind and heart once again fought for supremacy, and then the answer finally hit her. "I don't just like him… I actually love him…"
Asuka started to cry again, this time not holding back at all and just letting her emotions flow out. Once Asuka got herself under control again she started talking again to calm herself down. "I love the idiot, and all I've done is drive him away!" Asuka shouted. "I need to apologize and hope he'll still give me a chance… I don't want to lose him now… not after all this time of fighting with the real answer… not after finally figuring out why I felt so happy when I kissed him… I want that feeling again… that warm fuzzy sensation when we kissed… in that moment, I felt safe… and I didn't feel alone anymore either… I forgot what it felt like to not be alone… it's nice…"
–––
Back in Central Dogma, things were tense. "The firewall is weakening Colonel!" Hyuga reported. "The final node is holding on, but just barely!"
"Ritsuko, you get that?" Misato asked.
"Yes, we're working as fast as possible here." Ritsuko said as she typed as fast as she could. "Come on, we need to finish this before the firewall fails entirely."
"I'm doing my best, ma'am, but there's so much code." Maya said as she continued her inputs. "I don't think we can do it."
"We have to, everyone's lives are in our hands." Ritsuko said as she tried to type even faster. "There is no room for error, Maya."
"We have a problem, it has control of the node, but the firewall is still up over a portion of it!" Hyuga shouted.
"AUTONOMOUS SELF–DESTRUCT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED AND WILL OCCUR 30 SECONDS AFTER ALL THE MAGI CONSENT. AREA OF DESTRUCTION IS THE ENTIRE GEOFRONT AND TOKYO–3." The computer said.
"We don't have much time…" Misato said.
"T–MINUS 20 SECONDS TO SELF–DESTRUCT." The computer said.
"Shit!" Misato shouted.
"We have it, Hyuga, we just need 18 seconds!" Ritsuko shouted back.
"We can do it, ma'am!" Maya said as she typed frantically.
"T–MINUS 15 SECONDS TO SELF–DESTRUCT." The computer said.
"My lord…" Fuyutsuki said.
"We will survive, Fuyutsuki, Naoko will not allow herself or her life's work to die. She is too selfish to let that occur." Gendo said.
"FINAL COUNTDOWN… 10… 9… 8… 7…" The computer continued.
"Really great margin of error, Ritsuko!" Misato said.
"It's not a zero or a minus, is it?" Ritsuko asked. "Maya, how are you doing?"
"Just about… done!" Maya said excitedly.
"6… 5… 4… 3…" The computer continued.
"HIT IT!" Ritsuko shouted.
Ritsuko and Maya slammed the "Shift + Return" keys on their keyboard and activated the coding to kill the Angel.
"3… 2… 1… 0…" The computer concluded.
–––
The blue haze was considerably smaller, but it was still protecting Naoko from Ireul, who had grown even larger and more menacing looking as a black fog that entirely encompassed the exterior of the haze. Naoko noticed a stream of what looked like code being executed and realized it was Ritsuko's program to kill the Angel.
"So much for working fast… you needed help from that little bitch, and you still only had two seconds to spare? Pathetic Ritsuko… but this should help…" Naoko looked up at Ireul. "Hey, freak, you want to assimilate something?"
Ireul responded by pressing on the field with all the pressure his body could muster and made the field somewhat smaller.
Naoko pointed the code toward Ireul and dropped the firewall. "Assimilate this!"
Ireul absorbed the code and lunged for Naoko, but froze in midair… the code was doing its job and the fog was dissipating from the MAGI. Naoko looked around as things started to return to normal. "Well, now that that's over, I guess it's back to my mundane existence in this virtual hell Gendo and Fuyutsuki put me in."
–––
"AUTONOMOUS SELF–DESTRUCT HAS BEEN CANCELED." The computer confirmed.
"Oh, thank god!" Misato exclaimed.
"Just in the nick of time…" Ritsuko muttered.
"This is no time for celebrations." Gendo said. "Recall the Evangelions and secure them in the Cage, and get the MAGI back online." Gendo ordered.
"Understood, Commander." Misato said. "Hyuga, Aoba, begin the recall process for the EVAs, as quick as you can."
"Roger!" Hyuga and Aoba replied.
"Maya, can you assist me in repairing the MAGI?"
"Of course, ma'am!" Maya said brightly.
Several hours, and several pots of coffee later, the MAGI were almost up and running again, as Ritsuko and Maya finished the repairs and inspection of the system. The Evangelions were secured in their Cages once more.
"How are they coming along?" Misato asked.
"Almost there, just a few more minutes before we can bring them back online." Ritsuko said. "They appear to have no traces of the Angel stored within them, nor does any other effected area on base."
"Good." Misato said. "And the base personnel have all returned?"
"Yes, Colonel." Aoba reported. "They reported in several hours ago, and the radiation leak cover story seems to be being believed."
"Excellent." Misato said. "And the Evangelions, nothing wrong with them?" Misato asked.
"Evangelions are secure in the Cage, and all diagnostics check out." Hyuga reported.
"Alright…" Misato said. "Good work everyone."
"So everything's back to normal then?" Maya asked.
"Yeah… I just feel as though we're forgetting something though…" Misato thought aloud.
"Are we, I thought we covered everything." Ritsuko said as she began the MAGI restart sequence. "MAGI, Evangelions, base personnel."
"Oh shit, we forgot about the kids!" Misato exclaimed. "Deploy the cruiser on Lake Alcion to recover the Entry Plugs immediately!"
May 5, 2016 – Lake Alcion
Asuka's Entry Plug was being recovered from the lake by cruiser floating on it. Asuka was the third Entry Plug they found in the dark waters of the lake under the false night sky. It had already recovered Shinji first, and Mari second, and the crews had given them blue jumpsuits to wear so they could be covered in something. As Asuka clambered out of her Entry Plug in her new jumpsuit, the search was on to find the final Entry Plug and bring the kids back to shore.
Asuka saw Mari sitting near the aft flight deck of the destroyer, and walked over to her.
"Uh… hi…" Asuka said nervously. "Can we… uh… talk?"
"I guess." Mari said. "Go ahead, princess."
"Well…" Asuka said nervously. "I want to apologize for earlier…"
"You mean yesterday?" Mari asked.
"Wait, yesterday?!" Asuka asked. "They left us in there for that long?!"
"Yeah, they forgot about us." Mari said. "But continue, you were apologizing for what exactly?"
"I was apologizing for being an ass the past few weeks…" Asuka said. "I'm sorry… I know that you didn't mean to interrupt the kiss… and I know you're not Shinji's girlfriend… I was being stupid and jealous and I'm sorry about today… yesterday… I overreacted and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry."
"So you had a lot time to think then…" Mari said. "Apology accepted, princess."
"Thanks…" Asuka said sheepishly. "That wasn't easy to say…"
"Problem is princess, I'm more concerned about why you overreacted." Mari said. "What drove you to go that crazy?"
"I… uh… it's personal…" Asuka said.
"Princess… you can hide something that big if it's going to make you act like a lunatic." Mari said. "So, what is it?"
"I… uh… like Shinji ok." Asuka replied with a deep blush on her face. "Just don't make fun of me for it, otherwise I'll kick your ass six ways to Sunday."
"Why would I tease you for being in love?" Mari asked. "I'm not an asshole."
"Says you." Asuka quipped.
"Anyway…" Mari said. "Are you going to ask him out or what?"
"No… I can't, not yet." Asuka said. "I still have to apologize for today, but I don't want to ask him because he'll reject me… I'm not exactly the nicest person in the world."
"Asuka, I'm sure he wouldn't say no." Mari said. "He's got to like you a little bit, he's always trying to impress you and he clearly respects you enough not to get a cheap peek at your naked body, I think he wants to earn that privilege."
"Do you really think he likes me?" Asuka asked.
"Yes, I do think that." Mari said. "He hasn't said anything to the contrary."
"I'm still not asking him out…" Asuka muttered. "That's his job…"
"Then just be nice to him and maybe he'll get the hint." Mari said. "Or you could always plan his birthday party, like he planned yours."
"His birthday's a month away!" Asuka said. "I'll have to start planning this week!"
"Well, I'll let you have all the credit then." Mari said. "Maybe he'll warm up to the idea of the two of you if you do that."
"Yeah… maybe that'll do it…" Asuka muttered. "Speaking of baka, where is he?"
"I think I saw him head for the foredeck." Mari said. "He's probably still looking over the railing to find Rei's Entry Plug. He found mine and yours for them."
"Really?" Asuka asked.
"Yeah, he's a good kid." Ari said. "Just uh, be nice when you apologize, maybe kiss him on the cheek or something, or hug him and rub your boobs against him… you need to make up for the panic attack in a big way."
"I know… but I'm not a depraved pervert like you!" Asuka said. "I'm not rubbing my breasts against him!"
"Relax… it was a joke, princess." Mari said. "No, go and say sorry."
"Yeah, yeah…" Asuka said. "So, are we friends again?"
"I don't see why not, just try to be less, oh, bitchy and we'll be good." Mari said.
"Only if you stop teasing me so much." Asuka said.
"Deal." Mari said. "Now go find your baka."
"Whatever, four eyes." Asuka said as she walked to find Shinji.
Asuka walked around the ship to find Shinji, and she saw him all the way out on the bow overlooking the lake. Asuka walked up to him cautiously.
"Uh… Shinji, can we talk?" Asuka asked.
"Sure." Shinji said.
"Shinji… I'm… I'm really sorry about the past few weeks." Asuka said nervously. "After Mari interrupted our kiss, I thought she did it on purpose, and then I blamed you for it, and them after yesterday finding out you saw the naked, and you didn't want to look at me I just thought you didn't find me attractive… and I…" Tears started rolling down Asuka's cheeks. "I didn't meant give you a panic attack Shinji! I was just mad that you didn't want to look at me! I'm just such an ugly idiot!"
"Asuka, you're not an idiot." Shinji said. "And you're not ugly either." Shinji turned around and hugged Asuka. "Please don't cry Asuka… I think you're attractive, and I really didn't mean to see them naked… but I… I respect you too much to just look at you like… like meat on display, that's not who I am, Asuka. I never was like that, and I'll never be that. Just please, stop crying…"
"So you don't find me revolting?" Asuka asked as she wiped her tears away.
"No, you're not revolting Asuka… I think you're cute." Shinji said as he blushed.
"So, did you peek at all?" Asuka asked.
"I… uh… I didn't…" Shinji said. "I was confused from the panic attack, I just kept my eyes closed or looked at Mari or Rei… I'm sorry Asuka."
"Don't be Shinji… I shouldn't be mad at you for being a gentleman." Asuka said. "Oh and one more thing to add on to the apology, me and Mari are friends again."
"That's good, I like it when you two get along." Shinji said. "The house is less violent when that happens."
"Yeah, you're not wrong." Asuka said as she hugged him tightly back finally. "Shinji, I am really sorry though… do you forgive me?"
"Of course I forgive you Asuka, I could never stay mad at you." Shinji said.
Asuka kissed Shinji gently on the cheek. "That stays between us baka." Asuka said sternly.
"I know Asuka." Shinji said as he kissed her cheek back.
"What was that for?" Asuka asked. "I didn't give you permission to do that!"
"Asuka, it was for being brave enough to apologize." Shinji said. "I know you have trouble with that kind of thing, so to apologize to Mari and I took a lot of courage."
"You really think that?" Asuka asked.
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't." Shinji said.
Asuka hugged Shinji tighter and nestled her head against his neck. "Maybe we could… cuddle again… as friends?" Asuka asked nervously. "I'd really like that…"
"Sure, Asuka, we can do that… as friends." Shinji said. "I'd really like that too."
As they held each other, they were both thinking almost the same thing, unaware the other person felt exactly similarly.
'I love you, Asuka… but I'm afraid to lose you if you don't think I'm good enough for you.' Shinji thought. 'Maybe one day, I'll be brave enough to ask you out…'
'Shinji, I just realized I love you…' Asuka thought. 'But you're too good for me… I've been awful to you, and I really don't deserve someone nice like you… but you're the only person I respect enough to love…'
'I just hope this all works out in the end…' They both thought.
To Be Continued
A/N: I do not own Evangelion or any of the characters, GAINAX and the other distributors of NGE related material do. I am simply using them as a backdrop for my fanfic.
Sync Score Rankings!
Shinji – 84.0% (+0.4%)
Asuka – 74.3% (+0.4%)
Mari – 74.2% (+0.4%)
Rei – 70.6% (+0.4%)
So, the title is a reference to Lan Hikari's and Megaman's battle cry (or Rockman if you prefer, or hell, call him by his real name, Hub Hikari) in the Megaman Battle Network series. Bet Ritsuko wishes she had Megaman to fight Ireul. It would certainly make for an interesting boss character.
Now, this chapter is Ritsuko heavy (yuck…), but I need to show how evil she is in this story for the rest of her plot line to make sense. While she puts on an indifferent face for those around her, she only respects Gendo because of his power, and everyone else she views with either indifference (Shinji), contempt (Maya, Fuyutsuki and to some extent Rei) or as whores (Misato, Asuka, and Mari). Her mind view is such that if you refuse to follow orders of your superiors, you are weak and stupid for not knowing they are better than you. She's pretty fucked up as well, and she doesn't even know her mother's soul is in the MAGI, and she never will.
Ok, Ireul was written like the Borg from Star Trek because Ireul is basically the Borg. Adapting to survive by assimilating different things for its end goal. That and the scenes with Naoko's soul and Ireul chatting were fun to do.
In addition to Ritsuko's sole moment of glory (which belongs more to her mother), the kids all have time to think whilst floating in their Entry Plugs with Asuka realizing she was jealous because she loves Shinji. But she's afraid she's ruined thins, so she refrains from asking him out. Still, small steps in the right direction are better than running in the wrong direction, and she apologies to both Mari and Shinji for her actions earlier in the day.
Also, I named the Geofront Lake "Lake Alcion" after the project that trapped Mari in a Core with Lilith and build Unit–XP, seemed like an appropriate name, Yui named the lake in honor of her missing friend.
As I said before, and will always say at the end of chapter, please leave comments, as I would like to try to improve the story going forward any way I can. And, hell, constructive criticism is a good thing.
つづく