Author Notes: To everyone who reviewed the first chapter, thanks again! To the two guest reviewers, thank you so much. Especially the one with the massive wall of text, that was a joy to read haha
I hope you like Asuka POVs because you're about to get three of them and then some.
The Asuka Variations
Chapter 2: Charmed
Subjects 'Shikinami' and 'Soryu' are both unable to recall exactly how they travelled to our world. As of yet nothing conclusive to report. What is clear is that neither girl is compatible with our Eva cores based on the limited and restricted tests we have run.
Subject Shikinami has shared some information about her role as a pilot, though her account differs wildly in a number of places compared to events we have experienced - see section 2.0 of this report for details. No abnormalities detected.
Subject Soryu, identical in appearance to the Second Child, is a civilian middle school student with no knowledge of Nerv or Evas. Her initial apprehension at her new surroundings have faded. Subject shares a similar temperament to the Second Child. No abnormalities detected.
Recommendation: Release into care of appropriate personnel with level 1 security measures.
Signed: Dr R. Akagi
Cosigned: Major M. Katsuragi, Inspector R. Kaji
It had been five days since the two mysterious girls had appeared in Tokyo-3.
Endless rounds of tests had ensued; blood tests, psychological tests, evaluations by a number of medical professionals and even a low level sync test were employed to find out as much as possible about the Asuka's apparent twins.
The results of all of this were now on the desk in front of them.
Misato stood alongside Ritsuko and Kaji in the Commander's office, fighting with the nagging feeling that she was forgetting something.
Something important.
However, her attention soon shifted to the Commander who sat in front of them.
Will he see it our way? She would be lying if she said she wasn't at least a little bit nervous. Ritsuko, Kaji and herself had each spent time questioning the two new girls looking for inconsistencies in their testimonies or flaws in the testing.
They reached the same conclusion - Asuka's doppelgängers posed no threat to Nerv or its operations. Priority would be to return both to their original worlds. How and when this would happen was a little sketchy. I'll leave Ritsuko to figure that one out.
Misato watched every movement of the Commander's gloved hands as they turned the pages of the hefty report. Some parts were skipped or spared just a glance whereas others were read in more detail. He hadn't said a word the entire time nor had he made any visible sign that something was out of the ordinary, as if it were just another routine meeting of the senior staff.
All normal.
The bruise colouring his cheek, no longer swollen as it had been days earlier, flew in the face of that assessment. Misato took it as a point of pride that she had stopped herself from mentioning it.
And Shinji says I have no tact.
She was quietly grateful that neither Ritsuko nor Kaji had brought it up either-
"I'm glad to see you are recovering, Commander."
Misato turned to stare in disbelief at Kaji. You jackass…
The commander didn't respond immediately. A moment passed. When he finally did speak, Gendo kept his eyes on the pages in front of him as he addressed the ponytailed man.
"Your concern is noted, Mr. Kaji."
Despite the darkness around them, she could've sworn light glinted off the commander's glasses. How does he do that? She wondered, an involuntary shiver running up her spine.
Nothing further was said and the silence resumed.
Misato let out a breath and glanced at the others. Ritsuko twitched in amusement but managed to keep a straight face. Kaji, with no shame whatsoever, winked at both of them. Ugh, I'll kill him later.
The Commander continued reading for several more pages before putting the document aside, next to Kaji's half read report on the Soryu girl. The evaluation of the original Asuka lay untouched - Ritsuko's report. And it was she who was addressed first by the Commander.
"'Shikinami' and 'Soryu'?" Gendo asked.
"Shikinami is the name of the girl who... attacked you. Soryu is the name of the one Inspector Kaji brought in. We differentiated their names to avoid confusion."
"I see," a hard stare swept over all three of them, "and you think it best to allow them to leave?" Misato knew the question was coming but tensed up nonetheless.
Thankfully, Ritsuko was ready with an answer.
"That's correct. They're no use to us as pilots. The limited connections we've made between them and the test bodies shows they would not even reach the level for sustained activation. By all metrics, Asuka is still the only one who can pilot Unit-02."
Subcommander Fuyutski, who had been quiet until now, chimed in.
"How reliable are the results from the simulation bodies considering the last Angel attack? And what of the plugsuit the Shikinami girl arrived in, that seems to imply she is a pilot."
"The Angel was purged from the testing chamber, no contamination has been detected in the past seven days since its destruction. As for Shikinami, the MAGI are still analysing the data but we believe she is simply incompatible with our Eva cores." Ritsuko said.
The answer seemed to satisfy the Subcommander and he gave a nod in acceptance.
Misato took her cue.
"And I believe it's best that we allow them to return from wherever they came. We're not sure how exactly. Both girls have complained about some memory loss," she felt the Commander's cold expression directed at her and she faltered for a moment.
But her own hazy memories of a time she had spent alone and afraid hardened her resolve and she figured it was best to just go ahead and say it.
"Both of them seem to share the same circle of acquaintances as our Asuka. They seem to know me and her friends at school. Shinji too." She watched for a reaction.
Nothing. So far, so good. She continued, confidence building.
"It's my belief that allowing them to interact with those they are familiar with may help them in remembering and, eventually, returning to where they came from. I take full responsibility for their well-being and security!"
She felt herself standing just a little straighter.
Come on, I'm already looking after your son. This can't be worse. She wisely kept this to herself but her concern was genuine, especially for Soryu. Having the girls locked up at Nerv isn't good for them. And the sooner they-
"You may proceed. Dismissed."
Not quite believing her luck, Misato gave a smart salute before turning and walking towards the door. Ritsuko and Kaji fell in behind her. She had reached the door and was about to open it when the Commander's voice reached them across the vastness of the office space.
"Mr. Kaji."
"Sir?" Kaji said, casually turning around.
"I believe a report on the Second Child's movements for the past 30 days will be necessary. I want it on my desk by tomorrow morning."
Misato could see Kaji's eyes widen in surprise. To his credit he managed to keep his voice level when answering.
"Ah, of course Commander."
All three left the office, relaxing considerably as they did so. She caught Kaji looking at her, no doubt fishing for sympathy but she was having none of it . She playfully stuck her tongue out at him, leaving him grumbling under his breath. Okay, maybe a small part of her did feel sorry for him.
Section 2 surveillance reports weren't exactly light reading.
But the man had brought it upon himself. Hah, serves you right!
As they took the lift to the lower levels, Ritsuko turned to Kaji.
"So, you think little Miss Soryu is ready to go?" Ritsuko said, referring to the non-piloting Asuka. That'll take some getting used to, she thought. Kaji perked up at the change in topic. He made a sweeping gesture around the muted confines of the lift.
"Oh I think she is, I don't think she's going to miss this place. Or the food."
"Yeah, it's the food she hates. Nothing to do with what happened the other day, right?" Misato cut in.
Kaji entered Soryu's room for yet another day of questions and scientific tests.
"Don't you know how to knock? What if I was getting dressed?!"
"You know we have cameras in here, don't you?" He pointed at the small device nestled in the corner of the room.
"Whaaaaat?! You creep!"
SMASH
"Now, now Katsuragi, that was just a misunderstanding. She calmed down after that and hasn't thrown anything since-"
"That's because it was the only vase in the room," Ritsuko chirped up helpfully. Kaji pretended not to hear, putting his hands in his pockets and giving the two a wry smile.
"I think I've gotten through to her."
Misato snortedand tried her best to ignore the sly look Ritsuko threw at her as she spoke again.
"It must be your charms."
Kaji preened. Misato couldn't take his smug attitude any longer.
"The only charms that girl needs are the sort used to ward off evil spirits!" She made a face at him as Ritsuko gave a chuckle. Why do I put up with him? She could only shake her head in dismay.
"Though I'm sure Asuka would settle for an attack of the supernatural kind if it meant getting out of the hospital and into Unit-02. She's practically crawling up the walls," she paused as a thought came to her, "you know, I think she misses Shinji's cooking."
Now if only she could actually say something nice to him. The thought of the three of them back together again did put a smile on her face. Plus two extras, she reminded herself.
"I called Shinji this morning, he should have a nice dinner prepared. That should cheer her up. I'm sure Soryu and Shikinami would appreciate it too," she nudged Ritsuko, "right?"
Ritsuko looked up from the papers she was carrying.
"Oh, yes. I'm sure Miss Soryu would be happy to leave. Shikinami though..." Ritsuko trailed off as if lost in thought.
"Shikinami? What about her?"
"Well," Ritsuko started, removing her glasses and rubbing away at tired eyes, "I'm not sure exactly. I've read your and Kaji's reports but I still can't shake the feeling she's holding back."
Misato felt a pang of sympathy as she considered her friend's words. It had been a long week for all of them.
"She's kept her cards close to her chest," Kaji added.
"Correct. You've seen how she is," said Ritsuko.
Misato and Kaji shared a glance, both knowing what she meant.
Shikinami was the quietest out of the three by far. And it wasn't down to timidness on her part. The Shikinami girl lacked the brash impulsiveness that came so easily to the Asuka Misato knew. The difference had been startling at first.
She isn't like the other two at all.
Lost in her own thoughts, she almost missed Ritsuko's next words.
"In any case, I'm sure our mother hen will share if anything comes up."
Misato sputtered, words failing her and settled for glaring at her friend instead. Ignoring Kaji's quiet laughter, she straightened herself out as the doors opened and they walked out.
"Hmph, they'll be staying at the apartment next door. It won't be a problem having Section 2 cover both," she waved them off before they could tease her further.
Coming to a junction, the three said their goodbyes. Ritsuko said she would continue her analysis on the data from the MAGI whilst Kaji would escort Asuka and Soryu to Misato's car.
Shikinami had been kept in a more secure wing and her release would take a little longer.
Just before he pulled away, she quickly grabbed Kaji's arm, stopping him mid-stride. He turned towards her, a smile forming on his face. She spoke before he could spout whatever silly notion had entered his mind.
"Did you remember what I told you about Soryu?" She whispered. Ritsuko had already distanced herself, head buried in her notes but Misato still didn't wish anyone else to overhear.
"Yeah, yeah I'll talk to her," He looked at her with a grim expression, hand scratching the stubble lining his jaw.
She waited for him to protest. When he didn't, she spoke again, preemptively ready to defend the idea.
"It's for Asuka's sake," she looked at him and hoped she wouldn't have to plead but he nodded in agreement.
"Leave it to me," Kaji said and relief washed over her, "but you owe me one." The relief was short-lived.
"Owe?" She repeated, starting to regret asking him for his help as she saw the mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"I was thinking a private lesson with 'Miss Misato' would suffice. I'm sure there's all sorts of things you could teach-" She shut him up with a hand over his lips and sighed, closing her eyes briefly before giving him a sharp glare.
A glare that quickly softened as their eyes met. He wisely kept quiet and turned to go but not before planting a kiss on her outstretched hand.
The man was persistent, she gave him that. Kaji, you are going to be the death of me.
She watched until he turned the corner and then with a deep breath, returned to her immediate issue; taking the three Asukas home.
With Kaji landing himself extra work she would have to take all three in the car herself, their original plan of having Kaji drive Asuka home himself now scuppered by extra work he had landed himself.
It would've softened the blow, she thought.
Asuka wouldn't be pleased with having her two counterparts living next door but Misato wasn't prepared to leave them here , memories of sitting in a cold, clinical facility in the wake of the Second Impact resurfaced and she resolved to allow the girls a fresh start after their confinement over the past week.
But first, she would pick up the sleeping beauty whose first act was to punch the Commander in the face.
Asuka Shikinami Langley.
She had been a prodigy, holding the rank of Captain. An Eva pilot. Survivor. But now… now she was adrift. Alone.
She stood within a room of Nerv's secure hospital facility and stared out the window. It wasn't the cavernous expanse of Geofront that held her gaze but her own reflection.
A pair of blue eyes stared back. The eye patch was clenched in her right hand, no longer needed.
The curse of Eva… gone.
It had begun the first night she had arrived, she had felt a new sensation behind the patch.
No, 'new' wasn't the right word. The return of feeling in her eye also wouldn't be an accurate description. It wasn't an itch either. Pain or otherwise wouldn't have compelled her to take off the covering. The risk was too great.
'Absence' would be a better description. The absence of the strange, enticing motion of the other that had been contained within her. Always lurking in the background.
Now it was gone.
She had spent that first night debating with herself as to whether she should remove the patch. And when this internal back and forth had stretched her own patience, she had ripped off the eyepatch with a growl.
Standing in front of the mirror, bathed in Geofront's nocturnal glow, she took in the sight.
Her left eye was normal. Normal. A deep, sea blue, just like the other. Normal. She recalled tears welling up as fast as the realisation hit. Funny thing, she had thought, to finally have full use of both eyes only to be blinded by tears.
Normal.
Alone and adrift in this place, she found herself softly crying as she was overcome with raw emotion.
An indulgence she allowed herself a minute or so at most, before she remembered where she was and regained her composure. Controlling her breathing and rubbing away at her face, she glared at the discreet security camera pointed at her and made it a point to keep any further embarrassment to herself.
Not my best day, she mused looking back at that first night, at least Mari wasn't there to see it.
It wasn't just the eye that had been restored but her appetite too. She looked longingly towards the now empty plate beside her bed. Hospital food. Nothing exciting.
But she could taste it. Salads, fresh and sweet crunched in her mouth. Even the lightly seasoned mashed potato - something she previously wouldn't have looked at twice, now made her mouth water.
Her stomach rumbled in response to her thoughts.
Dammit, I just ate too.
Deciding to distract herself from the thought of food, she returned to the questions that had plagued her in the days since her arrival.
How did I get here? Why? And how do I get back?
Her mind spun in circles searching for any possible answers.
None were forthcoming.
She clenched the eyepatch in her hand.
Being stuck in here was getting her nowhere. Nerv's interest was just in questions and tests. Tests and questions. On and on. A field day for Dr. Akagi.
Even so, she had managed to figure out a few things.
There was still a world here to protect, it hadn't all fallen apart. Civilization endured. It all felt so strange. To awaken in a foreign world full of strangers wearing familiar faces was disorientating to say the least.
Was this how Shinji felt?
It wasn't the first time the thought had come to her. And in this place, she could do nothing else but think. And that meant her mind wondered, inevitably, to the boy who had recently reappeared in her life.
And then there's my two copies.
Asuka and Soryu; the 'original' of this reality and another guest like her. Different from her but identical to each other. Almost identical, she corrected. Soryu was the odd one out of the three.
She's not even a pilot! She marvelled at the idea of just being an ordinary teenage girl. No Eva's. No Wille or Nerv. No weight of the world on your shoulders. She couldn't even begin to imagine what that was like.
Could I have had all that?
Looking at her own lost childhood, what did she feel? Envy? Regret?
Too late for either, Asuka. She was old enough to realise such thinking would do more harm than good. Comparison is the thief of joy, after all.
Still, it was difficult not to think about it when she saw her counterparts. Nerv had attempted to keep contact between the three Asukas to a minimum during the week but the rare times she had crossed paths with Soryu had been surreal.
Soryu seemed as unhappy as she herself was with the conditions they were kept under, but would brighten up when spotting her. The annoyed countenance she wore falling away as they passed each other in a hallway or were led in and out of various rooms.
Shikinami wasn't sure she'd ever get used to hearing her name called out by someone else in her own voice. It was uncanny. But that proved no barrier to Soryu. She would smile and wave. Or complain to her, loudly, about their shared experience before she was whisked away by those assigned to her. She wondered why Soryu seemed so friendly with her. Looks aside, they were still strangers.
Comrades in captivity, she figured. It must be even stranger for her. Shikinami understood the need to latch onto something.
Me, in this case. She had to admit, Soryu had gotten the little sister act down to a tee.
She caught herself smiling in the window's reflection. A testament to how endearing she found it despite her best efforts. Maybe because of all the youthful, doe eyed innocence being directed at her.
Hmph! This place is making me soft.
And then there was 'Asuka'. This world's Asuka.
In contrast to Soryu, she and Asuka had hardly spoken a word after their first meeting. In the few chance meetings between the two, she had been treated with suspicion by the girl. More often than not, Asuka would make it a point to ignore her. Shikinami was seen as nothing more than an intruder.
She could only shake her , her first impressions of the redheaded pilot hadn't changed at all.
Would I be any different in her shoes? At her age?
She couldn't be sure. Perhaps it was a good thing they didn't talk. She could guess they would have little in common at this point. I'm not the 14 year old girl I used to be, this isn't the same Nerv and she's not me.
There was a knock on the door.
"It's Misato, I'm coming in," said the voice from the other side.
In a well practised motion, the eye patch was on again.
With all the poking and prodding done to her over the past week, there was no way she could keep the reason for the covering hidden forever so she'd made a convenient excuse;
"Injury during my last battle. It's very sensitive to bright light, so I have to cover it. Doctor's orders!"
"I see." Dr. Akagi had said, no doubt guessing the 'doctor' in question was her otherworld counterpart. The answer was enough to stop further questions. Explaining she had been infected by an Angel during a disastrous activation attempt would've seen her put under the foot of an Eva in no time at all.
She also wasn't sure how she would explain that the NERV they all knew and worked for was no more. It would just be more trouble for her considering Gendo Ikari was in charge here.
Telling them the last Angel she had fought fell from the sky somewhat matched up with current events in this world. She didn't push her luck any further with a more elaborate story.
The door opened and like a vision out of the past, Misato stepped through. Younger than the Captain of the Wunder, this Misato was still filled with the youthful determination of career military. Someone who had yet to lose nearly everything she held dear. Shikinami couldn't help but compare.
The years haven't been kind to any of us, the thought was laced with bitterness and she spoke before she could dwell on it further.
"So? What's the verdict?" She held her head high, ready for Misato's answer.
Misato closed the door behind first, holding a bag full of something close to her as she moved to sit on the bed. She didn't speak straight away.
Shikinami had noticed it was something they all did - as if checking to make sure she wasn't an apparition. No surprises there. This is as strange for them as it is for me.
When Misato finally spoke, she smiled and gestured towards the bag.
"Clothes. You'll be needing them when you leave. I'm taking you to my place." She clarified it would be to an apartment next to her own. They would keep both her and Soryu under close watch, but they would be allowed some freedom of movement.
They're letting me go? She had expected to be moved to somewhere else on the base, under lock and key for more testing. Or maybe as far away from the city as possible, a prisoner.
But back to the old apartment?
Free.
A mixture of emotions hit her. Happiness, now that she was leaving the hospital, accompanied by bittersweet memories of her own short time in the apartment. Misato must've picked up on her conflicting emotions.
"Hey, it's not that bad. Shinji will have cooked up something for you guys. You said you knew him, right?"
Ah.
Shinji.
She became acutely aware of how dry her mouth felt.
There had always been a possibility she would meet him. She knew that. So why did hearing his name seem to put her on edge?
He wasn't the same boy, she needed to remember that..
So he lives with Misato here too. While she had divulged to Misato and the others about her life working for Nerv, few details had been shared in return. That included information on anyone she hadn't currently come into contact with. She could hardly blame them given the circumstances.
Well, it's not like I've shared anything about Wille either. Secrets seemed part and parcel of a life connected with Eva.
"Are you finally convinced I'm not an Angel?" She said with a little bluster, hoping Misato didn't pick up on her thoughts. She looked Misato in the eye who returned it with a familiar steely glare. There's the Misato I know.
"If I wasn't, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Nothing further was said and she changed into the clothes provided. It was the same middle school uniform of her youth. "Hey, it fits doesn't it?" was Misato's reply at her dubious look. Leaving the room, they headed for the parking garage.
Misato told her they would meet the other two girls at her car. The original plan had been for Misato to take her and Soryu, whilst Kaji drove their Asuka to the apartment separately, but apparently some unexpected work had come up.
Misato relayed this information whilst in the same breath complaining about Kaji's inability to keep his mouth shut - "Stuck up jerk!"
Now in the lift, Shikinami listened to the soft tick, tick, tick, counting up to the level they needed to be. It gave her time to think about where she was headed. Out into the city.
It had been a long time since she'd seen it. So long that it now seemed almost another life, not her own. Whilst memories of living with Misato and Shinji were clear, her picture of what lay beyond the confines of the apartment was much hazier.
A thought hit her and she tentatively voiced it before she could change her mind. She was unsure what Misato would think of the request.
"Mind if we take a slight detour on the way back?"
A moment's hesitation before a raised eyebrow was directed at her.
"Where to?"
Shikinami told her. Misato paused before a small smile graced her features. She nodded.
"Yeah, we can do that. You know, I'm still not entirely sure what to think about all this but I think we'll get along just fine," she gave a nod in gratitude before holding out her hand.
"Misato Katsuragi, nice to meet you… again," she winked.
Shikinami regarded the other woman for a moment before allowing herself a smile in return. She took the offered hand.
"Asuka Shikinami Langley, charmed."
Again, there was that nostalgic feeling of home. She could feel a burning sensation behind her eyes but managed to hold back. No tears this time, okay? she promised herself.
After all, none of this would last.
Already, too much time had been spent here. She still had a job to do. She wouldn't leave the rest of Wille on their own. And she wouldn't leave him.
But with no clue as to how to return, she would have to be patient. Well, waiting was something she had plenty of experience with. Until then…
Maybe it won't be so bad after all, if only for a little while.
They exited the lift and she felt the fresh cool air against her face. And with it, the sound of two very familiar voices.
What now?
"It's not your car, you fake. Misato's my guardian and I always sit at the front. So shove off!"
Asuka stamped her foot as she squared off against Soryu. Both stood beside the passenger side door of the car. The door was open but neither had managed to sit.
It began when they both reached for the same door, wanting the same seat. Ten minutes later and neither she nor Soryu had given any ground.
Stubbornness was a universal character trait it seemed.
The nerve of this girl. She's not only taken my looks, she wants my transport too!
"Shouldn't you give priority to a civilian like myself?" Soryu said, not even attempting to hide the mockery in her voice, flipping her hair over her shoulder in the exact same manner Asuka knew she herself had done countless times before.
Soryu had made it clear Asuka's designation as a 'Pilot' meant nothing to her. And Asuka had been ordered not to divulge any more than was necessary to the girl. To Asuka this was like fighting with one metaphorical hand behind her back.
Hmph! It would just be unfair otherwise, I can still put her in her place on my own. She grit her teeth.
Damn you Kaji, damn your paperwork. The man had left the two by the car citing a mountain of reports he had to get through. As if! Maybe there was some truth to Misato's near constant complaints about the man's reliability?
She would have to remember to get double the amount of ice-cream next time he took her out. He owed her for this.
If there was one good thing to come out of this mess it was the decision that only she would go by the name Asuka; the other two got their own names for the sake of everyone's sanity.
It was time to remind her of that point, she decided.
She cleared her throat.
"Well, Soryu-"
"That's Miss Soryu to you!" Soryu said, interrupting her with a hand raised to cover her mock laughter, "Geez, don't they teach you pilots any manners?"
Asuka suppressed a growl of frustration, the short exchange a frank reminder why she had not bothered making talk with either of them.
It was almost worth it going through Dr. Akagi's hellish regime of tests to confirm what she'd known all along; she was the one and only Second Child, designated pilot of Unit-02. No one could take that away from her.
She hadn't been worried at all.
And that was supposed to be the end of it, right?
Wrong! Now they're coming to live with us? And next door to me? To Shinji?
At least the Shikinami girl seemed to have the good sense to keep to herself.
And Soryu? Well, Soryu didn't. Sense played no part in the girl's actions if the past week was any indication. She was loud and obnoxious.
Hmph, nothing I can't handle but…
Shinji.
He's like a lamb, defenceless. He already crumbled when she paid the barest attention to him, what would his reaction to Soryu and Shikinami be? What would Soryu do?
She played innocent but Asuka knew a wolf in sheep's clothing when she saw one.
I have to step in, for his sake of course. His simple nature would be taken in by her beauty. She'd take advantage of him!
There was also a question of their new living arrangements. Having the girls next door was far too close for comfort as far as Asuka was concerned. She knew what would happen, Misato would give them free reign to come and go and soon they'd spend all their time there.
Well, not if she had anything to say about it! The apartment was her domain and she wasn't about to let Soryu or anyone else claim it for themselves. Otherwise…
Otherwise?
Frighteningly fast, images of Shinji in nothing but an apron obediently serving strawberries and cream to the girl whilst she sunbathed on the balcony came to mind. Pen Pen was there too, keeping her cool with a large fan. She assumed it was Soryu and not herself because this was definitely not something she had imagined before.
Why Soryu would be wearing one of Asuka's more risque bathing suits, the one she was saving for Kaji, she had no idea but again, it was absolutely not her.
Of course not.
The uncomfortable question as to why the fantasy came so readily to her was blamed on Shinji.
Ugh! I've been infected by Shinji's pervertedness.
Snapping out of it, she banished the foolish thought before the heat on her face became obvious. Asuka narrowed her eyes at Soryu and prepared to make it known she wouldn't put up with her childish antics any further.
Fortunately for the hearing of all Nerv employees in the vicinity, fate stepped in. Or more accurately, stepped between the two girls and sat in the once vacant seat of the car.
Huh?
Both Asukas blinked and looked down.
Shikinami looked up.
The seatbelt fastened with a click! as Shikinami, dropping her usual sullen look, smiled triumphantly back at them and now sat comfortably within.
"Ehhh?!" Asuka sputtered, completely lost for words.
Is this really happening? It had to be divine punishment, she reasoned. Karma for all the Angels she'd killed. Hands balled into fists, she was just about ready to explode at both of them when Misato appeared.
"Good, you're both here! Kaji leave you?"
Asuka kept her silence at which Misato could only chuckle.
"Yeah, he does that," Misato said. She then turned to Soryu.
"Miss Soryu, if you'd like to take a seat, we're leaving. We can discuss the plan for you guys on the way home. Is that okay?" There it was, that motherly tone again.
Asuka gawked as Soryu smiled cheerfully, brightening in an instant.
"Sure thing, Miss Misato!"
She watched Soryu skip round the other side of the car to sit behind Misato's seat. As one final act when Misato's back was turned, she stuck her tongue out at Asuka - "Bleh!" - before getting in.
What is she, a ten year old?
With Misato settling into the driver's seat this left Asuka as the last one standing. How did it end up like this?
"Asuka, you coming?" said Misato.
"Yeah, yeah…" she grumbled, finally taking the remaining seat. She gave an evil look to Soryu and turned to stare out the window. She took little notice of the conversion in the car as they drove out of the Geofront; mostly questions from Soryu asking Misato about Nerv and the city. Asuka was happy to be left alone, still bothered by her guardian's earlier tone when speaking to Soryu.
Like when she speaks to Shinji and Rei. Do they know she treats them like children?
It wasn't the first time Asuka heard that kind of voice from Misato. Before, she hadn't cared. But now? Now all she knew was that it annoyed her.
She sank into the seat and watched the city fly past with half closed eyes.
It was as if the weight of the whole week had crashed down upon her and she let her mind wander. Is it going to rain? Would she be too tired to eat when she got home? What had Shinji cooked? Had Hikari dropped off any homework?
Even so, the thought remained.
A child. Is that what I am to everyone?
Tokyo-3.
A city that rose from the ground to turn a quiet valley into a forest of steel. The evening sunlight created a kaleidoscope of colours as it reflected off towers of metal and glass and they cast dark shadows that stretched across the landscape.
A fortress city.
Soryu had stood with her mouth open as alarms wailed in the distance, speechless at the rising city blocks in front of her. Just another reminder as to how incomprehensibly different this world was to her own.
There's nothing like this in Tokyo, she thought. And then looking over to Asuka - their Asuka. So this is where she lives?
She couldn't help but be impressed with it all. It was something she would've laughed off as a joke if she hadn't seen it all for herself. The ginormous cavern underneath, that blue robot she saw stalking around. And now this.
Asuka had watched quietly, seemingly bored. Like it was just another day to her. She lives here, after all. And she pilots a robot too!
And she's also an orphan, the sombre thought crossed her mind as she recalled her little chat with Mr. Kaji.
She had just been told she would be leaving to stay near Miss Misato's apartment. Before they left the room, he turned to her.
"There's something you should know," his tone of voice lacked the usual joviality she had come to expect. This got her attention more than anything else.
"What?"
"Asuka lost her mother when she was very young."
The information and the bluntness of it shocked her.
"W-what…how?"
"It's not for me to say. But I would appreciate it if you didn't ask her about it."
She swallowed a hard lump in her throat. Feeling her pulse quicken, her mind raced as she tried to imagine a life without her mother.
"Why… why are you telling me this?" She felt sick. Mama…
The man only shrugged.
"You would have found out eventually. Better you hear it from me now rather than ask her about it, later. And I'm telling you because I care."
"For her?"
"For both of you," he sounded sincere, "so, do you agree?"
Realising he had been waiting for a reply, she nodded, unable to say anymore. Mr. Kaji smiled gratefully and said he would treat her to ice-cream sometime.
She wasn't quite sure why he thought this would appeal to her but didn't push it. She stayed silent all the way to Asuka's room.
It certainly explained some things about her.
Maybe her original opinion of the girl had been too harsh. Still, would it kill her to be a little nicer? They were practically twins.
Not like Shikinami at all.
Who was much easier to like, she reasoned. She attributed this to the fact that the girl kept quiet most of the time or maybe she felt an affinity for their shared circumstances.
Shikinami carried an air of maturity that neither she nor the other Asuka seemed to possess. She hadn't seen her complain or argue, she had taken this past week all in stride. Very cool. Shikinami even listened to her when she was in her more grumpy moods. Was she standoffish? Sure, but not outright rude.
The auburn haired girl now stood beside her, Soryu could only see the side of her face covered by the eye patch. Her mouth was pressed into a thin line. Soryu wondered what she was thinking, she knew that Shikinami was a pilot, like Asuka.
Leaning forward against the rails, she decided to ask.
"Is your home like this too?"
Shikinami kept her silence and for a second she wondered if the girl hadn't heard her. But then she turned to look directly at her with her uncovered eye.
"It was," Shikinami said quietly. She waited to see if this was elaborated upon. It wasn't.
So it's not anymore?
As if sensing her probing thoughts, Shikinami turned and walked away. Soryu watched the girl pause to thank Miss Misato for the stop, before heading back towards the car.
Asuka, who hadn't said a word during the entire time, also left. She wasn't yet sure what to make of either of them and her face scrunched up in thought
"I wouldn't worry," Miss Misato said as she walked up to her, noticing the look on her face.
"Hmph, I'm not worried," she turned to face the city again hoping the older woman didn't pry any further.
Seeing her homeroom teacher as a badass military lady would take some getting used to. And she's in charge of real, giant robots! It still seemed ridiculous to her despite everything she had seen.
"Well, Miss Soryu, are you ready to meet our Shinji?"
She nodded in reply to the question, not quite trusting herself to speak. She hoped the evening sunlight was enough to hide the colour on her face.
'Our Shinji' she said. Not mine, but theirs. Gotta remember that. This wasn't going to be the boy she had known since childhood.
There was also one other important detail she had omitted regarding her relationship with the Shinji she knew.
And as long as they don't ask, I won't need to tell them.
Every familiar face she had met so far had managed to surprise her.
How different could he be?
Shinji hit pause on his SDAT, taking out the earbuds to survey the kitchen in silence.
It's done.
In an uncharacteristic display of self-confidence, he was looking forward to seeing his roommate's faces when they saw the beef and rice bowl dish he had prepared. The table was set, the food was ready and the apartment itself was cleaner than it had been in months.
For this evening at least, they could have a nice, pleasant meal.
And then back to usual tomorrow. He couldn't help but sigh.
"I guess it was never going to last, right Pen Pen?"
"Wark, wark!" said the penguin. Shinji looked down at his avian room mate, a small frown forming.
"Don't let Asuka hear you say that," he paused to consider the penguin's rewarks, "she can be nice when she wants to be."
Pen Pen gave his equivalent of a shrug at the chiding and waddled off to his fridge leaving Shinji alone.
Not long after, the sound of the door opening along with Misato's "We're home!" reached his ears.
They're back!
He turned to smile as Asuka and Misato entered the kitchen.
"Ah, hi Misato, Asuka. H-how are-"
The two 'guests' filed in behind his roommates and all of a sudden the kitchen seemed like a much smaller space.
It wasn't the number of people on Shinji's mind however as he took in the sight of three identical Asukas.
His mind raced to catch up with what his eyes were telling him. All three wrote the same school uniform. That one of them wore an eyepatch with hair a slightly different shade to the other two hadn't registered just yet.
Silence.
And then, with all the faculties left to him, Shinji remembered his role as the dutiful host and managed to squeak out a proper greeting.
"Uh…"
Well, almost. As if to take pity, one of the Asukas raised her hand in greeting.
"Hello, Shinji," she said and gave him a smile. A smile that radiated warmth and friendship.
Shinji fainted.
For a moment, no one said anything. Then, as if on some unspoken cue, all three sighed in exasperation.
"Idiot," they said.
"You're an Eva pilot too? That's amazing!"
Misato only half-heartedly listened to the conversation at the table. Once Shinji had woken up and been assured for the nth time that he wasn't dreaming, with a little help by way of Asuka pinching his cheek, introductions had been made to the poor boy and they sat down to eat.
Shikinami had kept herself distant from the whole affair. She'd answered Shinji's polite but curious questions with short responses. Her attention soon shifted to the plate of food in front of her and she chewed thoughtfully as she ate, seeming to savour every bite.
Misato didn't blame her, the food was great.
Shinji's too good for us, she thought andhad beamed with pride as the table was set. Sure it was all Shinji's work but as his guardian she deserved some of the credit, right?
"Pen Pen? Cute name, I guess. Did you…"
She looked at those sitting at the table, Soryu and Shikinami had sat opposite Shinji. Asuka had waited for Shinji to sit before taking a place next to him. Misato hadn't failed to miss that little arrangement.
It didn't last however. Asuka had made short work of the food, dashing to her room and then into the shower as soon as she finished her plate. The girl had made no secret as to what she thought of the shower facilities at NERV and loudly declared she would bathe first.
Misato suspected the girl was simply fed up with the attention Shinji was getting.
Soryu did say they were close friends back in her world. I guess it's only natural she'd be more open with him.
And it was true, Soryu was content to listen to the boy's answers, her whole face lit up with enthusiasm. Shinji's nervous disposition didn't dampen her spirits whatsoever, if anything it made her all the more curious.
And so it continued, now with the faint sound of the shower running in the background. Misato took a swig of her beer, enjoying the sensations as the cool beverage went down her throat.
It was only then, as she was on her third can that she remembered that she was forgetting something.
Something important.
What was it? It had been a very long week, between the long days analysing their findings on the two girls and then writing up the report for the Commander, sleep had been few and far between. The Commander?
Something clicked inside her, a piece in her forgotten puzzle. Something to do with Shinji?
Misato put down the now empty can. She automatically reached for the fourth of the night.
"Ehhh?! You also live with Misato?"
As Soryu's words reached through the fog of exhaustion, she knew she was getting closer. She idly noted the sound of the shower had stopped.
Shinji was trying his best to answer another one of Soryu's questions, giving a nervous laugh in response to something she said.
Misato gripped the can of beer and deftly opened it one handed, releasing a sharp hiss! sound.
Oh!
Misato had finally remembered.
Too late.
Before she could say or do anything Soryu's next words spilled out.
"Shinji, where's your mom and dad?"
Author Notes:
The 'Idiot' line was such a nice stopping point but figured it'd be better if we progressed just a little further beyond.
This chapter has gone through massive changes over the course of writing it, partially because I thought if I was going to write this fic then I might as well go all in and really explore the differences between the three Asukas. I don't want this to be some cheap harem type fic even though the setting is ripe for it. I also hope it's much easier to follow along now that they have individual names?
Eva always had those moments of levity in between the serious stuff, I hope this chapter really got that across. It's unlikely I'll include all three Asuka POVs in a single chapter in future (except the epilogue) but I wanted to show where each of them are starting from. I also hope you picked up the hints as to when in the NGE timeline this takes place.
Thank you again for reading! Constructive criticism is always appreciated.
AgentKaji