Hi guys, Calborghete here, how are you all? I hope everyone is doing well.
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So now without further ado, enjoy your reading.
"Dialogues"
- Thoughts -
"Radio Talk"
"Self talk."
Liability Note:
Evangelion, its characters and setting are the property of Hideaki Anno. Any brands, movies and series mentioned in this Fanfic are the property of their creators.
(*)
Chapter 08 - We Did It.
"Shinji-Kun." Misato spoke in shock, each word coming out as if sand was put in her throat.
Everyone on Wunder's bridge was shocked by this statement, they were not expecting Shinji to get in touch.
Gesturing with her fingers, Ritsuko ordered her crew members to begin the screening procedure, Misato only watched as Shigeru began typing on his keyboard, but her mind was not focused on that.
Mari lifted her head slightly, having her mind partially awakened by knowing that it was Shinji who was on the other end of the line, but with the possibility of Asuka being dead was still locking the mind of the girl who loved pink.
Rei maintained her pose, keeping her monotone gaze on Misato the whole time, but her mind perked up upon hearing Shinji's voice after so long.
"I'm glad you remember Katsuragi, that makes it easier." Shinji replied coldly.
Misato could sense something in Shinji's voice, deep down she wishes she could ask how he was doing, so he could come back, but she would like to know the reason for his sudden communication.
"Since I know you guys are now tracking me down, I'll keep this brief, Asuka is alive." Shinji started talking as if it was the most normal thing of the day, showing no emotion in anything he spoke.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room let out a sigh, knowing that WILLE was looking for one of his EVA pilots.
Frowning at this information, Misato felt a twinge of joy at hearing these words, but soon a question arose in her mind, how did he know?
Moistening her lips, Misato soon took courage and asked her question, maintaining her colonel's posture as best she could.
"How do you know this information?"
A sigh could be heard from the other side, Shinji was not making an effort to be stopped from being tracked, in fact he would get rid of the radio when he finished speaking.
Mari raised her head sharply upon hearing that Asuka was alive, looking anxiously at the radio in Misato's hands, listening to every word that was spoken.
"That's easy Katsuragi, it wasn't easy." Shinji replied, but soon felt like an idiot for the way he spoke, knowing his answer would get nowhere.
"You need to take better care of your pilots Colonel, I won't always be around to correct your mistakes."
Feeling her heart beating hard in her chest, Misato quickly tried to clear her mind as best she could, "Is she with you?"
"Not anymore, she is going to meet one of your bases." Shinji replied dismissively.
Misato frowned, having imagined a million scenarios, but one question hovered over her head, why Asuka was not taking Shinji along, thinking quickly, Misato tried to buy time. "And why are you saying that? If she's on her way to one of the security bases, why warn me? You know we'd be called anyway."
"Because I want to warn you to take better care of your people! Next time you don't take care of your pilots, I won't be so kind as to rescue them for you!" Shinji retorted angrily.
Misato shuddered at the intensity of his voice, remembering clearly Kaji's words about Shinji having changed, trembling internally at the way he spoke. Having his mind flooded with images of the times in her apartment, Misato lowered her gaze, not being able to believe her tone of voice.
- What happened to you? - Misato thought dejectedly, knowing that this was the result of her mistake.
"Is she okay?" Misato asked starting to show her anxiety, everyone in the room was waiting for Shinji's answer with anticipation, especially Mari, who was almost going to talk to Shinji, the suspense was consuming her inside, she was desperate for information
"Yes, I rescued her just in time, took care of her injuries as best I could." Shinji replied dejectedly, remembering clearly the difficult task of rescuing Asuka, how fragile and delicate her body was, her beautiful face bruised.
Giving a sigh, Misato wanted to cry knowing that her former protégé was alive, but she was talking to Shinji now, she had the opportunity to be able to convince him to stop his self-destructive journey.
"What about you?" Misato asked to the surprise of everyone who thought the computers didn't have his location yet, but Misato wasn't thinking about that, she just wanted to be able to bring Shinji back.
Shinji gave an uncomfortable sigh, talking to Misato again was making his mind try very hard not to freak out. "I what?"
"Where are you?" Misato asked anxiously.
Shinji frowned as he looked at the radio in his palm, already on his way to Italy to retrieve his Unit 01, but his mind was screaming at why Misato was asking about him, soon his answer had been generated.
"They are not worried about you, you are still a monster." His mind spoke as he showed a possible scenario to Shinji, knowing it was probably true, soon the boy wished he could tell where he was, finally be able to return to Misato and Asuka's side, but he knew the reality, he knew that would never happen again.
Feeling anger begin to well up inside his body, Shinji took a few deep breaths to calm himself down, he knew Misato would still be waiting for answers, inhaling and sighing to keep his voice under control, he soon spoke with a dry mouth as he remembered that he was most likely being tracked.
"That's none of your business." Shinji replied with a mixture of sadness and annoyance.
Misato felt a tightness in her chest as she heard that last sentence from Shinji, but soon she saw Hyuga gesturing with his hands, seeing that he was saying something, reading his movements, Misato realized that he was speaking "Two more minutes."
Not really caring why they were asking her to roll the conversation, but for her real interest in knowing where Shinji was, wanting to capture him so they could finally have a real conversation, rebutting images of how her encounter with Shinji had been.
Ignoring her mind, Misato quickly tried to fight back, maintaining her posture at all times.
"It is my business, I need to know so I can get my pilot." Misato spoke anxiously as she knew her time was running out, she could imagine how Shinji was at this point, knowing that he was not interested in talking to her, but rather only revealing that he had rescued Asuka.
"My God, how are you guys still alive?" Shinji growled over the radio, knowing that Asuka should be at WILLE's base by this time, again his concern for her safety was on his mind, did something happen to her on the way?
Misato moved the radio slightly away from her mouth, frowning at the way Shinji was talking, still getting used to the way the new Shinji was talking to her.
Everyone was listening to everything intently, watching the tracking statuses on his panel, Hyuga was feeling the pressure, even though he wasn't in battle, but he could feel the pressure of the moment, but one thought was on everyone's mind and that was the question. Why was Shinji helping WILLE?
"Shinji, listen to me carefully." Misato started to speak, knowing that most likely he didn't trust her, it put her down, but she knew that was very likely. "Where are you?"
A laugh could be heard from the other side of the radio, everyone in the room looked confused, this fake laugh penetrated everyone's mind, everyone could feel that he had pushed as hard as he could.
"By now you know." Shinji retorted keeping his fake smile, but he already knew he had taken too much time, knowing this was not a casual conversation, with a downcast sigh as he faced the ground, Shinji replied. "Where I am doesn't matter, what I wanted to talk about has been talked about."
Misato widened her eyes from behind her glasses, knowing that the conversation was most likely over. "Shinji wait, let's talk!. "
Everyone saw Misato's change in posture, her closest people knew that she was trying to bring Shinji back into her life.
"Listen Katsuragi, she's at the Arles base, take better care of your pilot." Shinji spoke somberly as he dropped the radio to the ground, watching the object sink gently into the red earth at his feet, it made its way back to Italy.
Misato only watched the line go silent, staring with shocked eyes at the radio only transmitting noise, soon her mind went down with the coldness in his voice, knowing that most likely the Shinji she knew was dead.
"Shinji-Kun." Misato whispered dejectedly.
"We have the location!" Shigeru spoke as he turned and spoke expectantly, but all he got was to see Misato's posture stiffen, swallowing dryly as he saw her turn somber.
Soon everyone in the room was looking at Misato who was still holding the radio in her hands, the only ones not interested in Shinji's pursuit were two people.
Mari was visibly invigorated, knowing that her sister was alive and on her way to one of WILLE's bases had given her her life energy back, Rei was happy to hear Shinji's voice again, but deep down she was crushed to know that he most likely was not that sweet and pure-hearted person she had known in the past, it made her sad.
"Then let's go after him." Midori spoke with a smile as she got Shinji's location, but soon she noticed Hyuga's fierce gaze on her, as of Koji at her back.
Ritsuko walked a few steps towards Misato who was rigidly, in her hands was the communication device, seeing that Misato was squeezing the material so hard that she could hear the snapping of pressure.
"Misato!" Ritsuko spoke as she put a hand on her shoulder, seeing that her friend came out of her trance and stared at her strongly, Ritsuko could see that talking to Shinji had affected her.
With a heavy sigh, Misato turned and spoke to her crew who were looking at her intently. "Set course for Arles."
Having complied with the request without complaint due to Misato's somber tone, everyone started working on the given order, except for a pink haired girl who stood still with a shocked look on her face, Mari widened her smile upon hearing that they were going to pick Asuka up.
"But ma'am, we have to go after the terrorist." Midori spoke in shock, her mind believed that getting Shinji back was more important than getting Asuka back, everyone stopped their work as they saw what a foolish thing Midori had done.
Hyuga only shook his head wide-eyed, knowing that Midori had begun to dig her own grave, exchanging a quick glance with Shigeru who was standing next to her.
Koji only shook his head at Midori's ingenuity, knowing that moments like these everyone should just nod and shut up.
"Those young people today." Whispered Koji as he returned to his work, he knew the shouting would start soon.
Misato was turning to Ritsuko, she was ready to ask for a communication channel with the Arles base, her mind already being too busy with the small conversation she had spoken with Shinji a few minutes ago.
Turning slowly to Midori, Misato stared at her with a cold and fierce stare, remembering the words she had said earlier on the parts recovery mission to France.
"Getting the pilot back is more important." Misato spoke with her cold and rigid posture, not being in the head and patience to deal with Midori, her mind wanted to talk to the Arles base to find out why they had not yet been contacted about Asuka's possible recovery.
"So that's it, then? We're just going to let him wander around?!" Midori lost her patience and raised her voice to Misato who was still looking at her.
Koji stopped his work as he heard his colleague raise her voice, knowing that this was heading toward dangerous ground. "Midori, calm down."
"Calm down nothing old man!" Midori spoke as she felt her blood boil, wanting to get Shinji back so he can pay for his crimes, but she was still young and impulsive.
"Lieutenant Kitakami." Ritsuko called out to her, watching the young woman lose her patience, the fake blonde knew Misato was about to explode, especially when the subject was Shinji.
Midori looked back at Ritsuko who was standing next to Misato, she watched as Misato closed the fists of her hand. "Lieutenant, respect the order of your superior." Ritsuko concluded as she saw that Misato was already at her limit.
"Respect? I'm in the WILLE to protect the world!" Midori shouted from her seat, still not believing that they would not go after Shinji.
Mari was feeling her blood boil from seeing that Midori was wanting to dump Asuka at a base in France, wanting to rip the young Lieutenant's head off, but soon she felt a hand on her arm stopping her, that hand was Rei's, looking at the blue haired girl with doubt.
Rei doesn't know why she stopped Mari from entering the discussion, but something in her mind had told her to do so. "The colonel will sort it out."
Mari only stared into Rei's intense eyes, knowing that Misato was about to explode at Midori's words, that thought had calmed her enough to wait longer.
"We should have killed him when we had the chance! You're feeling sorry for the murderer! " Midori shouted as she pointed her finger, but soon her eyes widened as she realized what a foolish thing she had done, looking at Misato wide-eyed, she could only wait for the bomb.
Still listening to Midori's words, Misato was already at her wits end, she was not going to let a girl like Midori tell her what to do with her ship, taking a deep breath, Misato spoke.
"Listen to something ... LIEUTENANT!" Misato spoke strongly as she emphasized the last part, everyone in the room went silent knowing that the person who opened her mouth was a dead person at this point.
"When I want your opinion I'll ask!" Misato spoke strongly as she faced Midori's posture began to shake, but she was still angry about everything that had been said, the pressure on her shoulders was strong right now. "What we will or won't do with the prisoner when we capture him is not your responsibility!"
Midori closed her eyes, feeling Misato's words hit her hard, she knew that again she had crossed the line and could only wait for the consequences of her actions.
Misato watched Midori with hungry eyes, like a lion watching its prey, knowing that this insubordination could not go unpunished, she had to show her authority, and it would not be Midori who would challenge her. "Security!"
Walking cautiously and stopping beside Mari and Rei, both were trembling at Misato's intensity. " Ma'am?"
Ritsuko realizing what Misato's intentions were, could only hope that she would go a little easy on the young lieutenant.
"Take Lieutenant Kitakami to detention!" Misato watched as the men nodded, formally going to Midori's workplace who was in shock on the spot.
Seeing the men approaching, Midori wanted to cry, knowing that she had dug her own grave by accusing Misato, finally understanding the reason for her colleagues warning her about being careful with her words.
Holding one of Midori's arms, soon the security guard was leading her out when he heard Misato speaking again. "You will be in detention for forty-eight hours!" Misato spoke strongly as she faced Midori who was looking down.
"I hope you learn your place!" Misato spoke coldly as she gestured for the men to take the girl outside, turning to her men who were silent. "Let's go to Arles!"
Receiving the confirmation she wanted, Misato soon noticed Mari staring at her with a look of expectation, knowing she wanted information about Asuka as well as herself, taking a deep breath to calm herself down enough.
"Hyuga!" Misato called out, still keeping her posture firm.
Hyuga felt his blood freeze, hoping that he wouldn't take the blame for anything Midori had done.
"Ma'am?."
Seeing her subordinate staring at her with insecurity, Misato ordered. "Open a channel to the Arles base for me!. "
"Yes ma'am." Hyuga spoke as she sat down and began working on Misato's new order.
With her arms crossed, Misato waited intently for the radio channel.
"Okay." Hyuga spoke as he turned and watched Misato pick up the radio.
"Arles post on tap?" Misato spoke professionally as she asked on the radio.
"This is the Arles post." A male, French-accented voice answered.
"This is Colonel Misato Katsuragi, commander of Wunder." Misato began to speak, still agitated by the whole episode with Shinji and Midori.
"What can I do ma'am?" The man behind the radio answered, his voice could convey the anxiety he felt as one of her pilots had just entered the base a few hours ago.
"I have information that Captain Asuka Shikinami is there, does that proceed?" Misato asked strongly, her voice showing that there was no room for silly answers.
"Yes ... Captain Shikinami is in the medical center now, she was admitted a few hours ago." When the man replied, Mari threw her arms in the air in celebration, feeling a weight disappear from her shoulders.
But Misato was happy to hear that Shinji had rescued Asuka, but knowing that the Arles base had not informed them of this was another matter. "May I know the reason why I was not informed!?"
Everyone was feeling sorry for the young soldier of WILLE who was on the other end of the line, but everyone kept their opinions to themselves, not wanting to have the same fate as Midori and end up saying the wrong thing, but one thing stuck in the minds of the bridge crew, especially the younger ones. Why Shinji had helped WILLE? Many began to doubt Shinji's character and the information about the third impact.
(*)
Two days had passed since the contact with Shinji, Asuka was sitting looking out of the transport VTOL that was taking her back to Wunder.
Watching the escort protecting her submission, Asuka was having mixed feelings, not knowing which of the reactions was the real one, was she angry, upset, sad or depressed.
Remembering the events of the last few days and the thousands of medical questions regarding her health, but none of this mattered to her now, only one thing was on the proud redhead's mind, Shinji's gaze, how lifeless his eyes were.
Removing her attention from the window, Asuka reached for her backpack, opening it the redhead took out an object, one that was readily important to its former owner.
Removing the silver metal object, Asuka watched as she removed Shinji's 9mm Beretta, looking at every detail of its frame, imagining every situation she had rid Shinji of and how this weapon was probably always by his side.
"That's none of your business." Shinji's voice echoed through Asuka's mind.
Closing her eyes to try to contain the wave of memories that was coming, Asuka tried with all her might to control her mind.
"You can kill me, I don't care." Asuka shook her head slightly as she remembered the moment of her last hope of convincing Shinji to go with her, but soon she remembered the coldness of his eyes.
"For you don't care, never have, and never will." Shinji's cold voice again echoed through Asuka's mind.
"That's not true ... Shinji." Asuka spoke as she squeezed the space between her eyes, not that she was tired or anything, but the redhead was in an attempt to control her emotions.
Letting out a tired sigh, Asuka lifted her head at a faint sound coming from the cockpit, but she didn't care to listen.
"Captain Shikinami, we are five minutes from Wunder." The pilot shouted again, he could see that Asuka had not listened, speaking a little louder this time.
"Right." Asuka replied dismissively, looking outside again, the redhead could see when Wunder's wings emerged, knowing that Misato and Mari would be waiting for her, soon more memories of her conversation with Shinji came into her mind, especially the point where he talked about how he envied her.
"You have a family, I have nothing..."
With a small smile on her face, Asuka knew that even after all her tantrums and scandals, deep down Shinji was right, she did have a family, even if that would be hard to assume.
Looking at the empty seat in front of her, Asuka wished she had one more person sitting there, but she knew that was bordering on impossible.
Feeling a jolt, Asuka was brought out of her thoughts as she saw the VTOL begin its approach maneuvers, seeing Wunder through the window, Asuka braced herself for the hug show that Mari was probably waiting to give her, nodding slightly and with a shy smile on her face.
Feeling her body starting to feel anxious, Asuka looked down at her hands and could tell they were shaking slightly, flexing her hands slowly to control herself, Asuka realized that the VTOL had already touched the floor of Wunder's compartment.
"Ready Captain." The pilot signaled as he turned off the bird's noisy engines.
Unbuckling her belts and standing up, Asuka heard the sound of the doors opening, with a final breath, the redhead picked up her small backpack and stood up, walking slowly to the side door that would return her to her home for these past fourteen years.
Stopping just inches away from leaving, Asuka closed her eyes and took a deep breath, knowing that she had failed to bring Shinji with her, Asuka still had a mission, she had to protect the world against NERV.
Opening her eyes, Asuka had a feeling in her chest, one she didn't know how, but one way or another, that wouldn't be the last time she would see Shinji, she was only mentally praying that their next encounter wouldn't be violent.
Asuka descended the steps of the VTOL slowly, her body aching from her captivity, the redhead quickly tried to turn her head to the side, but before her brain could process any information, the last thing she could see was a blur coming towards her, and it was the color pink.
Feeling a pair of arms wrap around her waist, Asuka let out a small muffled cry, as the person holding her was squeezing her too tightly, but soon Asuka noticed the two braids this person was wearing, added to the perfume, Asuka identified the person crushing her and crying on her shoulder.
"Hi ... Ma ... Mari." Asuka managed to whisper as she tried to break free of the bear hug Mari was giving her, feeling her ribs screaming with the force of the grip, but something inside Asuka didn't want it to stop, it really was nice to have people who cared about you, soon her mind had fallen on Shinji and his words, I wonder what it must be like to think you are really alone?
"Don't scare me like that anymore! Do you understand!?" Mari spoke as she let go of Asuka, looking at her sister with her tear-stained face.
Asuka can finally get a good look at Mari, seeing how her disappearance must have affected her sister, but that was talk for another time, but seeing Mari actually happy for her return was nice. "Did you think they would be able to defeat the great Asuka Shikinami?"
Seeing Mari give a relieved smile on her face, Asuka can't help but think about her own words, knowing that she would probably be dead if not for Shinji.
"Well? How are things around here?" Asuka asked as she walked over to a group of people who were waiting for her, locking her eyes on Misato who was maintaining her usual pose, but there was something different about her posture.
- What's gotten into her? - Asuka thought as she analyzed Misato's posture, seeing that she was torn between relieved and tense.
"There's a lot I want to tell you princess." Mari spoke with a smile as she walked beside Asuka.
"Hello Colonel..." Asuka stopped as she greeted Misato, but her speech was cut short as she felt Misato give her a tight hug, Asuka frowned as she tried to remember the last time Misato had hugged her, but returned it anyway.
Breaking the embrace and turning away from Asuka, Misato let out a sigh and faced her in the eyes again, resuming her posture in a partial way. "Asuka, you gave us quite a scare."
Asuka was still flustered by all the attention she was getting, but she let her ego be massaged. "Scare? It was just a walk in the park."
Misato gave a small laugh as she crossed her arms over her chest, already knowing that Asuka was a hard person to admit that she was about to die, but something in the back of her mind was screaming to take her to his office, already knowing that it was Shinji who rescued her, her mind was screaming for information from him.
"But seriously now Asuka." Misato spoke as her posture tensed, Asuka can only think of the worst now. "It's good to have you back."
With a simple but sincere smile, Asuka thanked everyone for their support, but her happiness was short-lived, because for each smile of relief she received from everyone, her mind remembered Shinji and his words, knowing that this meeting would have been very different if she had been able to convince Shinji to stop his journey.
Seeing how things surely would have been if Shinji were with her now, he would probably have guns pointed at him, looks of pure hatred from the people around him, again a choker around his neck.
Misato noticed Asuka's gaze become downcast, probably already knowing what line of thought the pilot in front of her was having, lowering her gaze as she imagined what it would be like if Shinji was back.
But soon Asuka's eyes locked on a person who had entered the hangar accompanied by Ritsuko, feeling her blood boil as she saw Rei's red eyes lock on hers.
Remembering Shinji's words calling her a doll, defending the clone in front of her, seeing the incredible resemblance they both now had, Misato only stared at the tense atmosphere that arose when seeing Asuka facing Rei.
"Suzuhara!" Ritsuko's voice echoed through the hangar, breaking everyone's train of thought.
"Ma'am? " Sakura came up beside Ritsuko.
"Take Asuka to the infirmary, I want a full checkup." Ritsuko spoke professionally, as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
"What?!" Asuka shouted, having the thought of being subjected again to a trifle of useless tests on her health.
"Princess!" Mari spoke as she felt pity in her ears at Asuka's sudden scream.
"But why?" Asuka asked annoyed.
"Because it is necessary." Ritsuko retorted dismissively, not caring about the look in Asuka's eyes as she analyzed reports she received on her tablet about Wunder's operation.
"Like hell. " Asuka growled as she locked her eyes on Rei again, again remembering the argument she had had with Shinji, with Rei being the main cause.
"Asuka." Misato spoke, breaking Asuka's train of thought.
Looking at the former guardian with shock on her face, Asuka wanted Misato to understand her point at this point, Asuka just wanted to go to her room, take a shower and pass out on the bed, but as she stared at the look Misato was giving her, she realized that this was not a negotiation.
"Shit." Asuka growled as she knew she had nothing to escape with.
Walking with heavy steps, Asuka passed Misato and spoke heavily as she passed Rei. "Damned doll."
Rei didn't bother to turn her head, only retorting in her dull, delicate voice. "I am not a doll."
Asuka stopped her steps and turned around ready to give Asuka a standard response, but soon she felt Mari's hands turning her shoulders and forcing her way back.
"Come on princess, your doctor waiting." Mari spoke as she forced Asuka back onto the path to the infirmary. "I bet our favorite doctor can speed things up, can't you Sakura?"
Sakura was looking at her tablet, already starting the requests for the exams Asuka was going to take, but she managed to hear Mari's question, lifting her head and speaking with a smile on her face. "Yes, the more you cooperate the better."
With an indignant snort, Asuka walked down the halls, but Mari was beside her with a playful smile on her face, already being back to her normal state with Asuka's return.
"So princess." Mari began to speak, already knowing that she had spent time with Shinji, all Wunder was only talking about one thing, a strong rumor circulated through the halls saying that Shinji had rescued Asuka, but she and the bridge staff knew it was true.
"So what four eyes?" Asuka retorted annoyed, having her mind replay the discussion with Shinji about Rei.
Widening her smile, Mari exchanged a quick smile with Sakura who had already understood her strategy. "Nothing, just thinking about the things you did with the puppy."
Asuka froze in place, turning on her heels and staring at Mari with shocked eyes, still unaware that Shinji had contacted Misato about her, but the implication of Mari's spoken phrase carried through.
"What?!" Asuka shouted as she blushed.
"Well?" Mari asked with her best smile.
Sakura was hiding her smile behind her tablet, trying her best to remain anonymous in this verbal battle that was sure to come.
"Then what?" Asuka asked blushing, still having images of what Mari had suggested seconds ago.
"How dense you are." Mari retorted with fake annoyance. "I want to know if the puppy has a big one."
"Mari!" Asuka shouted as she blushed furiously, but her shout didn't stop her from bringing the image of naked Shinji appearing in her mind.
"What?" Mari asked as if it was no big deal to want to know information like that. "Even Sakura wants to know."
Asuka was still shocked by this sentence from Mari, looking at her sister frozen in place, only listening to Sakura's muffled scream beside Mari.
Blushing heavily as she imagined Shinji naked with WILLE's uniform on his shoulders in a sensual possession, Sakura shook her head to return to reality. "Mari!"
Widening her smile as best she could, Mari was pleased to be able to return to her normal self, watching Asuka and Sakura blush more than a ripe tomato.
"Good." Mari spoke as she put her hand together. "That proves that you are thinking about it."
"Fuck you four eyes." Asuka spoke as she turned and continued on her way to the infirmary, but Shinji would not leave her mind, not in the way Mari suggested, but in his condition, remembering all the marks and scars that marked his body.
"But seriously now." Mari spoke as she ran over and got back to Asuka's side. "How was it being with him? "
Asuka let out a sigh, but soon she remembered that she had never told about Shinji before. "How do you know?"
Mari stared at her incredulously, but answered her question. "That's all the crew talks about."
"Talk about what?" Asuka asked confused.
"Is it true?" Sakura asked equally curious.
This only served to further irritate Asuka. "What the fuck! What?!"
With a long sigh, Mari braced herself, but gathered her breath. "A few days ago, Wunder got a call over the radio wanting to talk to Misato."
Asuka only nodded, but she still didn't understand, Mari seeing that she had Asuka's and Sakura's attention.
"I was there so everything I speak now is true." Mari spoke as she remembered Misato and everyone's reactions. "That was the puppy on the radio."
Asuka widened her eyes, not knowing how she should react, but her mind was in a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. "But why?"
"He called to say he had rescued you." Mari spoke smiling.
Asuka widened her eyes further, along with Sakura for knowing firsthand the matter that had run in the Wunder Bridge, with a feeling in her chest that she didn't know how to identify.
"Well?" Sakura asked agitatedly wanting the answer.
With a downcast sigh, Asuka replied. "Yes, he saved me."
"Oh my God!" Sakura and Mari shout in unison, causing their voices to echo through the halls.
"Oh my God." Asuka spoke as she scratched her forehead, she didn't like the idea of having been the helpless girl being saved by a white knight, knowing what she never liked being seen as dependent.
"So it's true." Sakura spoke as she smiled, having confirmation that her childhood savior had saved Asuka from the hands of the sympathizers, that he was not the monster everyone was saying.
"So that's all anyone talks about?" Asuka asked wearily as she turned and walked back.
"Yes, the crew is confused." Mari spoke as she calmed down enough to start talking again, receiving a look from Asuka, the brunette decided to respond. "They're wondering why he helped WILLE."
Seeing Asuka become downcast, this was something even she would like to know, and Sakura's next question brought her out of her thoughts.
"Shikinami? How is he?" Sakura asked worriedly.
Soon images of Shinji's gaze, his cold posture, the marks on his body and his loud cough came into his mind.
Seeing how Asuka's posture changed, Mari could already imagine that the answer was not good.
"He ... He's not well." Asuka replied dejectedly.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked worriedly, the moment having passed easily, she was now covered in worry.
"He is debilitated ... Physically and psychologically." Asuka replied as she felt a shiver run through her body as she remembered the moment with Shinji.
"How bad?" Mari asked seriously, already knowing that this was not the time to make jokes.
"His body is covered in scars, with many of his injuries being stitched up himself." Asuka spoke as she cleared the image of the stitches on Shinji's face.
"Oh my God." Sakura spoke shocked as she pictured the scene in her head, being a doctor, she knew how painful it must have been for him to have done these procedures on himself.
The same was true of Mari, who lowered her gaze to the ground.
"Why didn't he seek help?" Mari asked dejectedly as she imagined Shinji like this.
"I asked that question." Asuka spoke somberly as she remembered the moment, remembering clearly Shinji saying it wasn't her problem. "He said it wasn't my problem."
Sakura widened her eyes softly, knowing that it was hard to imagine Shinji acting like this.
"He said he couldn't look for a hospital so he wouldn't have to go back to the hell that was prison." Asuka spoke still maintaining her somber tone.
"Hell?" Sakura asked curiously, Mari could already imagine why, but decided to wait for Asuka.
"He mentioned that..." Asuka started to speak, but the words died in her throat, remembering clearly Shinji mentioning that many times they tried to kill him in prison. "He mentioned that many times they tried to kill him in prison."
"Oh my God." Sakura brought her hand to her lips, being faithfully against Shinji being arrested, firmly believing in his innocence.
Mari only bowed her head, knowing that this was a reality, having Shinji abandoned in prison surrounded by real criminals, things can't have been easy for Shinji thought Mari.
"Let's get on with it, Misato will want to talk to me later." Asuka spoke somberly as she pulled the two into the infirmary, knowing that her former guardian would want this information about Shinji.
Sitting on a stretcher, Asuka watched as Sakura removed blood samples, she didn't notice when Mari stopped beside her and put a hand on her shoulder, stepping out of her world.
"We'll get him back." Mari spoke confidently, but deep down she could feel that time was running out for Shinji, if she wanted to do the right thing, they would have to do it fast.
- I wish. - Asuka thought as she closed her eyes, with only Shinji's harsh heavy words echoing in her mind.
(*)
Misato's office - Wunder.
Reading the plethora of reports that were on her desk, Misato was doing her best to remain professional in the face of it all, knowing that the rumors circulating within Wunder were making the crew agitated.
But that wasn't what bothered Misato, Asuka's return had made things better in her mind, but knowing that Shinji had cooperated awakened a new feeling in her heart, the feeling of hope. Because Shinji had no obligation whatsoever to do what he did.
Putting down a sheet of paper and looking at the wall of her office, Misato gave a weary sigh, all those years of war had consumed so much of her body and spirit.
Burying her head in her hands, Misato closed her eyes and gave long sighs, still waiting for Asuka to give her any information about Shinji. Her mind craved information, her conscience was screaming for her to be able to talk to Shinji once again.
KNOCK ON THE DOOR.
Adjusting himself as best he could, Misato looked again at the documents on the table, but her mind was not on the long lines of reports.
"Come in." Misato spoke professionally.
Opening the door slowly, Asuka glanced inside, only to see Misato sitting at her desk with a serious look on her face, stepping inside and closing the door, the redhead walked until she was facing Misato's desk.
"You sent for me?" Asuka asked in a neutral voice, she didn't want to be there, because after the plethora of medical tests she had been put through, the only thing she wanted now was to sleep, or try to at least.
Putting down her leaves and giving a long sigh, Misato lifted her head and locked her eyes on Asuka's, nodding slightly to the question asked a few seconds ago, signaling with her hands for her to sit down.
Pulling up the chair and sitting down gently, Asuka just stared at her former guardian and waited, not being in the patience for conversation.
An uneasy silence arose in the small room, Misato sighed again and began to speak. "It's good to have you back."
Asuka kept her outward posture cool, but she liked hearing that. "It really is." But soon her mind took back to Shinji, looking at the empty chair next to her, the redhead wished a certain person was now sitting there along with her.
Misato noticed this little eye movement, being very good at reading people, looking at the chair next to her and having the same desire as Asuka. "How was it?"
"How was what?" Asuka asked with slight confusion.
Misato mentally rolled her eyes, but he knew Asuka was a difficult person, but soon her eyes scoured the contact marks on Asuka's face, already assuming she must have more all over her body. "What have they done to you?"
Asuka lowered her gaze as she remembered the beatings she took while in prison, with a downcast sigh the redhead looked down. "It wasn't easy."
Misato noticed Asuka's change in posture, it really can't have been easy to take. "How are you?"
Asuka raised her head and replied professionally. "Good."
Misato knew that Asuka would never reveal how she really felt, but before she could think of asking any other questions, Misato stopped when she heard Asuka's voice again.
"After several days I thought I would never get out of there." Asuka spoke dejectedly, Misato only watched the woman in front of her. "Many times I was left with nothing, no water or food, just dumped."
"But now it's over." Misato replied with a shadow of a smile on his face.
"Yes... Thanks to him." Asuka replied as she remembered a bit of Shinji rescuing her.
Misato's eyes widened slightly at that last sentence, but she decided to wait. "How was it?"
Sighing as she remembered, Asuka's mind was a little foggy, but she could remember enough. "I remember I was in my bed, with pain all over my body. I started hearing gunshots and screams."
Misato just listened to everything, trying to imagine inate the scene in her mind.
"Soon the leader opened the door and walked in." Asuka closed her eyes as she remembered the times she begged for help or someone, "He wanted me to go with him, but you know me, I told him to fuck himself." Lying about the last part, her pride didn't want people to know that she was begging for help or for Shinji.
Misato giggled a little, knowing that Asuka probably lied about the last part, but decided to keep it to herself. "Was that when he arrived?"
Asuka only nodded. "He had the gun to my head. Shinji came over and the two of them started a nasty fight." Asuka shuddered at the few memories she had, she described everything she could remember. "Shinji punched him so hard I could feel his anger."
"Then I felt a hand on my shoulder, I could give a glimpse of your face." Asuka spoke as she looked at the hands, Misato listened to everything intently, but her mind didn't want to believe Shinji's description.
"After a few of seconds I heard him walk away, I only heard the sound of him slitting the leader's throat." Asuka spoke as she closed her eyes, Misato's eyes widened.
"He ... He executed the leader?" Misato asked shocked, still not able to believe Asuka's words, it was hard for her to see someone like Shinji act in such a way.
"Yes." Asuka replied somberly. "After he killed him, I blacked out." Asuka hid a small blush on her face as she remembered how she felt being carried by Shinji, the feeling of safety and comfort as she listened to his heart.
"And then what? Did he take you to WILLE?" Misato asked as ehe recovered from her shock.
"No, he took me to an old apartment." Asuka replied as she remembered the environment in which she woke up. "I was on an IV."
Misato nodded, but internally she wanted to know more.
"After that, I woke up and he was standing in the doorway." Asuka spoke as she remembered.
"How was he?" Misato asked anxiously.
Asuka realized this, but decided to give in, the sooner she was done the better. "Cold, it's someone else with Shinji's face."
Again feeling down, Misato lowered her gaze, knowing that this was WILLE's fault.
"He can still cook." Asuka replied as she remembered the taste of her soup.
Misato gave a slight smile at this, knowing that Wunder's food was horrible, her stomach was screaming for a meal made by Shinji, but soon her mind came back to reality.
"We fought." Asuka replied dejectedly, remembering Shinji's words about her being WILLE's doll, about him thinking no one cared about him. "He ... He called me 'WILLE's doll. '"
Misato's eyes widened, knowing Asuka's past from the NERV reports, knowing that it must have affected Asuka greatly.
"I tried to convince him, but he wouldn't..." Asuka started to speak but couldn't, the feeling at failing was too strong, after a good while Asuka spoke everything she remembered from the fight, every sentence Shinji had spoken, every moment Asuka described trying to keep as true as she could.
"Oh my God." Misato buried her hands in her face as she listened to it all, not being able to believe Asuka's words, it only served to fuel her guilt. "How can he ... How can he think like that?"
Asuka adjusted herself in her chair, already having the answer in mind, something she had cultivated. "Isn't it obvious?"
Misato stared at her for an answer, but her mind already knew who was to blame for Shinji's current behavior, two of those people were in this room.
Asuka responded somberly as she remembered everything regarding Shinji since his awakening, finely coming to terms with the fact that WILLE erred in her treatment of Shinji, knowing that he was given all the responsibility for this war.
"We did that."
Author's Notes: Hello Calborghete folks here, how are you? Did you like it? I hope so. As always be sure to follow and save it to your favorites so you don't miss any future updates.
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