Chapter 7: Might Be Team Spirit

Disclaimer: I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion. It belongs to Hideaki Anno, Gainax, and Tatsunoko Productions. I only own the characters I made up.

A frown molds itself onto my face as I glare at Misato. She looks back from the front seat, offering a smug look. Toji and Kensuke occupy the seats on either side of me. They're also wearing the same stupid look Misato's been giving me. It's annoying! They all been like this the entire fucking ride! Can they give it a fucking rest?!

I take a breath to calm myself down.

"For the last time," I say slowly, "NOTHING HAPPENED! ! !"

"Whatever you say," they all say simultaneously.

I swear the pilot up front is laughing.

"I MEAN IT! ! !" I respond, irritated.

"Then why didn't you tell me you'd be staying at Rei's place the entire night?" Misato asks. "I wouldn't be so suspicious if you just called and said 'Hey, I won't be home tonight'."

I let out a groan. "I already told you! I didn't know that was gonna happen!"

"Is that so?" She raises one of her eyebrows. "Saying 'I didn't know' sounds like a flimsy excuse." Her smile widens. "You do realize when I sent out a search party, you and her were found sleeping in the same bed."

Of course I know that! I was there!

Upon hearing Misato's claims, Toji and Kensuke's jaws drop.

"I-I was just joking before, but you actually. . . 'did the deed' with Rei?" asks Kensuke.

Toji's practically grinning ear to ear. "Looks like you really did become a man! No bad, Michael. Not bad."

I become flustered. "It's nothing like that! I know it sounds bad! But I swear nothing happened!"

They both give me the "Yeah right" look, which only increases my irritation.

They've been taunting me about Rei for the past three days. Though, I guess I should've seen this coming. After all, if I heard a guy was staying at a girl's place overnight, I'd also be suspicious. Crap! I can still remember how awkward it was waking up next to her! It was one in the morning, and my heart nearly stopped when I woke up to her staring at me. She just kept staring, and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Embarrassed about being in the same bed as her. Embarrassed about my behavior the night before. It's just too much for someone like me to deal with. Me and her continued to stare at each other for god knows how long. I attempted to speak but was cut off when a bunch of men in black suits, led by Misato, burst into the apartment. I swear, the embarrassment almost killed me.

I let out a frustrated sigh as I bring my mind back to the present. I look over Kensuke to peek out the window he's sitting next to. There's nothing but an endless ocean out there. The waters are calm, barely a wave in sight. It's so peaceful out there. Just wish the rest of the day could be like the ocean. But I know it can't. There's a reason I'm on this helicopter ride. Misato's taking me to meet the new pilot. Someone I'll have to work with. Asuka Langley Soryu.

. . .

I'm not looking forward to that.

A few more minutes pass when Kensuke alerts us that we've arrived at our destination. I scoot over to his side to get a better look outside. Toji practically climbs over me to look out the window as well.

There are several warships sailing in formation, each carrying an assortment of aircraft. The ship in the middle of the formation looks important. It's probably where we'll be landing. The Over the Rainbow. What a weird name to give a ship.

We land on the Over the Rainbow warship and are greeted by the crew. Shortly after, Toji, Kensuke, and I begin exploring the ship. Misato follows us closely, making sure we don't get in any trouble. Kensuke pulls out the video camera he brought along, and starts recording our time here. The guy would get so excited whenever he'd see a plane, a jet or some other vehicle located on this ship. It's ridiculous, but frankly, his excitement is contagious. I mean, what kid doesn't like machines? Though, Toji seems bored out of his mind.

"Crap!" curses Toji as the sudden wind speed picks the hat off his head.

He chases after the object and Kensuke (tearing his gaze away from an old jet) runs after his friend. The scene playing out starts to look familiar, meaning Asuka must be nearby. Immediately, I hid behind Misato.

"What are you doing?" she asks.

"Hiding."

". . .Why?"

"You'll see."

She gives me a questioning look before shrugging her shoulders. She walks to Toji and Kensuke's location while I continue using her as a wall. Not even a minute passes when I hear two loud smacks, followed by angry screaming. Looks like they met her.

"HEY! WHAT WAS THAT FOR! ? !" Toji asks his assailant.

"It's the viewing fee! Fitting for a pervert like you!" responds the assailant.

"The price is pretty high! Don't worry, here's your change!"

I can hear Kensuke facepalm himself and see Misato giggling.

Okay, what did he do?

"AHHH! ! ! IDIOT! ! !"

Asuka hits Toji a few more times before stopping.

"Oh! Misato! It's good to see you!" she greets in what I can tell is false enthusiasm.

"It's good to see you too Asuka," greets Misato. "You've grown a bit since I last met you."

"Of course! Not only have I gotten taller but my figure filled out as well," gloats Asuka. "Now, aren't you going to introduce me?"

"Right. Everyone, this is the pilot for Eva Unit-02. Asuka Langley Soryu."

"That's right! The best pilot Germany has to offer," Asuka gloats again. "Now, which one's the Fourth Child?"

Fourth Child? Oh, right. Shinji was the third, which makes me the fourth. Though, no one's ever referred to me as the "Fourth Child".

"Please don't tell me it's that idiot."

"Who are you callin' an idiot?!" responds Toji to Asuka's insult.

Misato turns her head to me then smiles. I roll my eyes and move from my hiding space, into Asuka's line of sight.

"No, that would be me."

I now have Asuka's attention. She's wearing a yellow dress, the kind you would see people wear on a beach vacation. Her hair is loose, held in twin tails by two red hair clips. Though, I think the "hair clips" is actually one Interface Headset. Something only used when piloting an Eva. She stands as if she's rooted to the ground, daring anyone to try to push her aside. I hate to admit it, but she's also kinda cute. Just wish her personality wasn't so toxic.

A spark of curiosity ignites in those blue eyes. I guess I'm not who she was expecting. She gets closer, looking me up and down.

"Hmm. So this is the Fourth Child."

"This 'Fourth Child' has a name." I respond, slightly irritated by her staring.

She looks slightly taken aback by my words, probably detecting my annoyance.

"Michael, be nice," Misato tells me in a playful voice. "Sorry about that. He's just upset at the conversation we had on our way here."

"Screw off," I grumble at Misato.

"That's fine. I'm sure it was a one time thing," she says as she offers a smug look. I mumble a few profanities under my breath. She directs her attention to Misato. "Anyway, would you mind telling me what happened to the Third Child? I heard he had to be replaced, but no one will tell me why that is?"

Misato's eyes widen, before she lowers her head slightly. "He. . .he died during his first fight against an Angel."

I hear Toji and Kensuke gasp. Right, don't think I ever told them how I came to pilot Unit-01. But what catches my attention, what really surprises me, is Asuka's reaction. Her jaw drops slightly and her breath hitches for a moment. The few emotions I can make out is shock and. . .fear? I think it's fear. It's not something I'd ever expect to see from someone like her. I might've misjudged her. Then again, you can't really know someone you've never met.

All the emotions she had disappears, replaced with a smirk.

"Well, it's to be expected. That's what happens when you send an untrained pilot into battle."

My skin becomes cold and I can feel my heart beat a little faster. My fists tighten as my face twists into a scowl.

I take everything back! She's just bitch who doesn't think about anyone other than herself!

"Show some respect!" I snap at her. "No one asked for your input!"

Her smile fades away as she gives me a disbelieving look.

"What did you say to me?"

"Oookay!" Misato gets between me and Asuka. "Let's go see the captain of this ship. Asuka, can you show us the way?"

Asuka glances at Misato for a moment then glares at me. "Yeah. . .I know the way," she points her nose in the air then turns her back to me. "Follow me."

She starts walking, and we soon follow.

"Off to a good start," Misato whispers to me in a sarcastic tone.

"I'm not apologizing."

She sighs then goes quiet.

I cross my arms and continue to scowl.

We're all inside the ship's bridge. Misato's speaking to the captain, arguing something about the Evangelions and who has authority here. I'm not paying attention, partially because the conversation wasn't all that interesting. Mainly, because Asuka's been giving me the stink eye ever since I snapped at her. It's kinda distracting and is really pissing me off.

"The hell are you looking at?" I ask her quite rudely.

"Who do you think you are to speak to me that way?" she asks, putting her hands on her hips while narrowing her eyes.

"No one special," I tell her as I shrug my shoulders. "I just don't like you."

"You don't even know me!"

"I know enough." I send her a glare. "I know you don't care about anyone other than yourself."

I catch a glimpse of Kensuke running around the room, pointing his camera everywhere in sight. It looks like he's getting on the crew's nerves.

I let out a sigh. "Kensuke! Quit fucking around!"

He doesn't hear me, which gets me to shake my head.

"Don't worry I got him!" Toji tells me as he runs to his friend.

I put my hands in my pockets and let out a chuckle. But, I can still feel Asuka's eyes burrowing into the side of my head.

"Can you quit it?!"

"You have no right to speak to me that way!"

"I can speak to you however the hell I want!"

She gets in my face. "Apologize, now!"

I get closer, nearly headbutting her. "Get out of my face!"

A loud cough catches my attention. Looking for the source of the noise, I see Misato giving me a disapproving look. I let out a sigh then backed off.

"Anyway," Misato continues her conversation with the captain. "I must remind you that in the event of an emergency, Nerv has full military authority."

"Well you're as confident as ever," says a voice near the entrance of the bridge.

Misato becomes rigid and Asuka's irritated look turns into a large grin.

"Kaji!" Asuka practically screams in excitement as she looks over to the man who spoke.

"Mr. Kaji, you must stop inviting yourself onto the bridge!" The captain tells the man in a disapproving voice.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself." The man, Kaji, says in a smooth voice. "When I heard Ms. Katsuragi was visiting, I just had to see her personally."

I get a better look at the man. He has brown hair tied into a ponytail and dons a five o'clock shadow. He wears a light blue dress shirt with a red tie loosely tied around his neck. The man shows a confident smile as he looks at Misato.

Misato's fists tighten and her face twists into a scowl. She turns to the captain then raises her hand in salute.

"We'll continue our conversation another time. Excuse us." She lowers her hand then signals me to follow her. I nod then get Toji and Kensuke to do the same. Asuka doesn't follow us, too busy being infatuated with Kaji. Good thing too, I don't think I can spend another minute with her.

We make our way out of the bridge, down the ship's hallway. Misato seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere, though she hasn't told us where we're going. Heh, she probably doesn't have a destination in mind.

"Sooo, anything you'd like to tell us?" I ask her while revealing my shit eating grin.

She huffs in frustration. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

"What? You don't want to talk about your boyfriend back there?"

She nearly explodes.

"HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! ! !"

"Not fun when someone else is doing the teasing, is it?"

She crosses her arms and stares ahead. "Just drop it. And don't think you're off the hook about Asuka. Didn't I tell you to be nice to her?"

I roll my eyes. "Whatever."

Our group continue walking down the ship's endless halls. We've been doing this for about twenty minutes non stop. I think we're going in circles. We're probably lost, but Misato's too stubborn to admit it. My stomach growls, putting me in a bad mood. I need to find something, anything to eat.

We head down one hallway which leads to an elevator. But there's a problem, at least for Misato. Standing next to the elevator is Kaji and Asuka. The former casually waved at us.

"Do you need help, Captain Katsuragi?" asks Kaji.

Misato's about to say something, but I cut her off.

"Actually, could you show us to the mess hall? We're starving!"

Misato glares at me. I respond by sticking my tongue out.

Kaji chuckles at our antics and agrees to show us the mess hall. We all cram ourselves into the elevator to enter the lower level of the ship. We were so tightly packed in the elevator, that I could barely move!

. . .

I regret entering that thing.

Few minutes later, our group is seated at one of the tables inside the cafeteria. I'm stuffing all the food on my plate into my mouth, not caring how ridiculous I looked.

"Geez man, slow down." says Toji.

"Seriously, you make Toji look civil in comparison." adds Kensuke.

I swallow down some more food before speaking. "I don't want to hear any shit from you two. I haven't eaten anything since this morning!"

Misato gives me an odd look. "What do you mean? I made you breakfast didn't I?"

I give her a blank stare. "How can you call that crap food? It looked like something you'd see in a landfill."

"Hey! If you didn't like it then you should've made breakfast!"

"You know good and well I can't do that shit everyday!"

Kaji starts laughing. "So, I'm guessing Misato still doesn't know a thing about cooking."

I nod and Misato looks away from Kaji's gaze, crossing her arms.

Kaji's calm smile turns to a mischievous one.

"Tell me Michael. Is she still wild in bed?"

Everyone's jaw drops. Misato's face turns completely red and I have to hold back my urge to laugh.

I could try to do damage control, but. . .

"Eh, she's fine." Now I have everyone's attention. Misato's giving me a dangerous look. "I wouldn't describe her as wild just. . .average. But man, I didn't expect her to do that sort of th- OW! ! ! OW! ! ! OW! ! !"

Crap! She's got me in a headlock! Malice is written all over her face.

"OKAY! ! ! I GET IT! ! ! YOU CAN LET ME GO NOW! ! !"

She releases me then gives me a hostile look. She then directs that gaze to Kaji and starts yelling at him.

"AND YOU! ! ! HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST I WOULD DO SUCH A THING! ! !"

Kaji holds his hands up in defense. Yet, he continues to smile. "Hey, you know I was only joking."

"I DON'T CARE! ! !"

I start laughing, but shut up when Misato gives me a dirty look.

"A-Anyway," I direct my attention to Kaji. "I don't think I actually introduced myself. How did you know my name?"

"Heh. You'd have to be deaf for anyone to not know your name." He explains. "Multiple organizations, including the U.N., have taken an interest in you."

My eyes widen. "R-Really?"

He nods. "You see, people are wondering how someone with the ability to pilot an Eva, showed up out of the blue. All potential pilots are constantly monitored by the U.N., SEELE and other organizations. Yet you appeared under their radar. That never happens. As you can imagine, that got a lot of people's attention."

Misato's scowl turns to worry, then suspicion. She glances at me and her look softens. Her attempt to reassure me that nothing's wrong.

Her attempt fails.

I become slightly nervous. I can't help it! I've got the whole world's attention, and somehow, I don't think that's a good thing! Shit! Now I have to add that to the list of things to worry about!

Our conversation eventually drifted off to other things. Mainly generic subjects such as work and life at home. Kaji then switches his attention to Misato. He starts flirting with her, but she's having none of that. Kensuke got bored and began recording any relics he could find in the mess hall. Toji's been trying, and failing, to get Misato's attention. Meanwhile, I started staring off into space.

While I was daydreaming, I couldn't help but notice Asuka staring at me. She has a look an athlete would give before a game. She's studying me, seeing what makes me special. It's like my mere existence here is somehow challenging her status. Like I'm just another opponent she needs to defeat.

. . .

It's annoying.

I got bored and started exploring the ship on my own. As much as I enjoy my friends' company, I prefer being alone. It gives me time to "recharge", if that makes any sense. The ship is filled with so many people, each too busy working to pay me any mind. I get to see the ship's machinery and how the crew gets those machines working. But, that's about it. There's nothing else here. Sure, I spotted a few rooms that had television. But they were being used, and I didn't want to be rude by hogging the thing. I let out a sigh and decided to go back to the ship's deck. Perhaps I can look at the aircraft again.

I find an elevator, enter it, then press a button, making my way up. The machine stopped, meaning I arrived at my destination. The doors slide open, revealing Asuka.

Damn.

She seems surprised to see me at first, but that quickly disappears. She dons a confident look then speaks.

"I've been looking for you." She grabs my right arm then pulls me out of the elevator. "Come on!"

"What the hell?!" I pry her hand off my arm. "Mind not dragging me around?!"

She rolls her eyes. "Just follow me."

"Why the hell should I?!" I question her.

"Why are you being difficult?!" she asks, obviously irritated. "I need to show you something, that's why!"

"Mind telling me what you wanna show me?"

She puts her hands on her waist and smiles. "Well, it was going to be a surprise. But since you're being such a spoilsport, I guess I have no choice but to tell you. We're going to see Unit-02."

I raise an eyebrow. "Why?"

She lets out a condensation "ha". "Because you need to see what a real Eva looks like!"

I go silent.

I already know what Unit-02 looks like, so there's no need for me to go out of my way to see it. But on the other hand, I'm bored, and seeing a giant robot might brighten my day. Also, Asuka's probably not gonna leave me alone until I see her Eva. So I might as well get it over with.

"Okay," I say hesitantly. "Lead the way."

Satisfied with my answer, she walks off, fully expecting me to follow without complaint.

I let out a sigh then walk after her.

Few minutes later, Asuka and I are riding a small boat to one of the surrounding ships. One of the sailors from the previous ship was nice enough to give us this ride. At this distance, I can tell which ship we're heading to. It has a large tarp covering the massive object it's carrying. The object is most likely Unit-02. Though, it's odd how I didn't see it on my helicopter ride.

We finally got on the ship carrying the Eva. Asuka lifts part of the tarp covering the robot, then takes the stairs to go deeper into the container it is being held in. When I follow her down, I'm greeted with a full view of Unit-02.

It's lying on its side, partially submerged in the surrounding LCL that fills the container. It has two sets of eyes arranged in rows. It also has some kind of orange crest on its forehead. But the most distinct feature of this behemoth, is its deep red color. Whoever was in charge of coloring this thing obviously wanted it to stand out. It's as if the Eva's declaring to the world, "I am here! Look at me!"

"Impressive, right?!"

I look around to see where Asuka's voice came from. She's standing on top of Unit-02.

When did she get up there?

"Well. . . it sure stands out." I tell her. Though, if I'm being honest, Unit-02 looks slightly cooler than my Eva.

"That's right! Know why? It's because Unit-02 is the first production model," she explains while at the same time boosting her own ego. "Unit-00 and Unit-01 are only prototypes. Which explains how someone like you, someone with so little training, can easily synchronize with one of those relics! But Unit-02 is one of a kind! You know what that means right? My Unit-02, is the world's first true Evangelion! ! !"

I give her a slow, sarcastic, clap.

"Wow, what a lovely performance. You should get an Oscar."

"Hmph! No need to be jealous Fourth Child." she says while still retaining her air of superiority.

"I'm not jealous. And quit calling me 'Fourth Child'!"

"Why shouldn't I call you that Fourth Child," she asks while smirking. "It is your title after all."

"Because I have a fucking name!" I tell her while giving her a dirty look. "Now get off that thing, you look stupid up there! Not that you didn't before."

Her eyes narrow. "Are you always such a jerk to people you just met?"

I take a moment to think, then smile. "Actually. . .yeah."

A crashing noise resonates throughout the entire container, shaking the platform I'm standing on. The still LCL now becomes waves and Asuka nearly falls off her Eva.

"What was that?! An earthquake?!" she asks as she regains her balance.

When the platform becomes steady, I turn my head to the stairs.

"No. But I have an idea what it was."

I run up the stairs to the top deck. When there, I look over the ship's railing and spot something moving under the ocean. Something big!

"Crap!"

The creature crashes into multiple ships, destroying them. The thing's so fast! The people in those ships didn't stand a chance!

Asuka catches up with me and sees the damage done.

"What did this?" she asks.

"An Angel," I respond. "Asuka, go into Unit-02 and prepare for battle. I'll alert Misato."

She glares at me. "Don't tell me what to do! Besides. . ." she grins. "I got a better idea. Follow me!"

She goes back into Unit-02's container. I pause for a moment, roll my eyes, then follow her down. As soon as I get to the bottom level of the container, a red plugsuit flies in my face. I grab it then look at Asuka who's giving me an impatient look.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Put it on!"

I look at the plugsuit then back to her. "Why?"

"Isn't it obvious?! We're going to pilot my Eva to fight the Angel!" A smile creeps onto her face. "More accurately, I'm going to fight the Angel and you get to watch how a real pilot gets things done!"

I give her a blank stare. "I'm not wearing this thing and I'm not going into Unit-02."

"This isn't up for debate!" She tells me. Asuka then walks to the other end of the container, out of my sight. "I'm going to change! Don't even think about peeking!"

"Get over yourself!"

I look at the plugsuit and sigh.

Well, an Evangelion is technically the safest place to be when there's an Angel attack. After all, unlike these warships, the Eva can fight an Angel. Just hope I don't look too ridiculous wearing this thing.

Dammit! There's not enough room in here! There's only one seat and Asuka insists she takes up most of the space. Also, I hate this plugsuit! It was obviously made with females in mind, so there isn't a lot of room down there! That, and the suit makes my body look feminine. Fuck! I look like a fucking crossdresser!

"Dammit Asuka! Move over!"

"Shut up! I need to focus!" She presses a bunch of buttons and speaks what sounds like a speech in German. The Eva activates shortly before shutting down. "Scheiss!"

"Told you it wouldn't activate with two pilots."

"That's not the problem," she explains. "Your thoughts are causing interference! The Eva can't process more than one language at a time! If you must think, do it in German!"

I roll my eyes then smile. "Ja mein fuhrer. Heil Asuka! Sieg Heil! Schnitzel!"

She gives me a disbelieving look before letting out a groan. "I hate you."

"The feeling's mutual."

She shakes her head.

"Switching language to Japanese," the Eva restarts itself. "Activating Unit-02, now!"

The robot actually starts working. She commands the Eva to climb out of the container. The tarp covering the robot wraps itself around it, making Unit-02 look like it's wearing a cape.

"We're on limited power," I alert her while looking at the display screen.

"There's an umbilical cable on the Over the Rainbow," she explains while donning a smirk. "We just need to get to it."

She turns on the radio. "Hello, this is Asuka. I need the crew of the Over the Rainbow to prepare Unit-02's umbilical cable."

It sounds like someone at the other end is fighting for control of the microphone.

"We'll be ready!" Misato says over the radio.

"Kay, we'll see you there." I respond.

"Michael? You're in there too?!" she asks, excitement in her voice.

"Unfortunately, yes."

Asuka rolls her eyes at my comment. "Get ready!"

I already know how she plans to our destination, so I let out a chuckle. "Kay, just don't fall in the water. B-Type equipment, remember?"

"Yeah yeah! Just watch and learn!"

The Eva gets into a crouching position before sending itself flying to another ship. The tarp that was covering the Eva flies off, taken by the sudden air pressure. I feel weightless at the apex of Unit-02's jump, before gravity returns to me as the robot lands. The Eva once again jumps to another ship and I can't help but smile throughout the entire experience. Think becoming a pilot has turned me into an adrenaline junky.

We jump off one last ship before landing on the Over The Rainbow. The entire ship shakes under our weight. Few of the planes on the vessel were catapulted to the ocean due to our impact. Kensuke's not gonna be happy about that.

Asuka finds the umbilical cable and inserts it into the Eva, giving it unlimited power.

Misato cheers over the radio as I bring my attention to the approaching target. The Angel slowly breaches the ocean's surface, revealing its white colored head.

Asuka commands her Eva to open its left shoulder pylon, pulling out a Progressive knife. She gets into a combat stance as she prepares for the Angel's attack.

The creature jumps out of the water, towards me and Asuka. It's several times bigger than both Unit-02 and the warship it's standing on. When it lands, it nearly tips the ship over and almost catapults us off the vessel. Asuka commands her Eva to grab the creature and stab it with the knife. The object pierces its A.T. field and enters the creature. The Angel begins flailing its body around.

"See that Fourth Child!" Asuka says while gritting her teeth. "This is how you fight an Angel!"

"Pay attention dammit! You haven't killed it yet!" I remind her. "And quit calling me Fourth Child!"

The ground becomes unstable, causing us both to slip.

"Crap!"

"Scheiss!"

We fall into the ocean. The Eva's sinking, fast!

"Shit! You both need to find your way out of the water! You won't be able to fight down there!" Misato tells us in a hurried tone.

"You'll never know until you try!" responds Asuka. "Don't worry! A little water won't stop me from killing this thing!"

The Angel, now in its element, starts charging at us. The thing kinda looks like a mix between a shark and a stingray. It opens its snout, revealing an array of teeth as well as its core.

Asuka tries moving the Eva but it refuses to listen to her.

"What?!"

"How many years of training you said you had again?" I ask in a condescending tone.

"S-Shut up!"

"B-Type equipment, remember."

"Will you shu-"

The Angel's impact stops our bickering. It bites into Unit-02 and starts shaking us around as well as slamming us into several underwater debris. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would, then again, the pain is probably being divided between Asuka and I. Asuka tries to pry the creature's mouth open, but it won't budge.

"Dammit! Dammit! ! ! DAMMIT! ! !" Asuka screams in frustration.

I'm oddly calm throughout the entire situation. I guess coming close to death so many times made me numb to its sting.

"Alright calm down," I tell Asuka. "Getting pissed isn't gonna get us anywhere."

"What the hell do you know?!" She asks, challenging me.

"I'm sorry, how many Angels have you killed?"

She goes silent.

"That's what I thought. Now listen."

The Angel has half of Unit-02 in its mouth, so I can see inside. Its core is far back in its throat, out of the Eva's reach. If we had some kind of long ranged weapon, like a spear or a gun, we would end this now. We could try throwing the Progressive knife at it. The problem is, Asuka dropped it when we fell into the ocean. Crap! I got nothing. Well, there's only one thing left to do.

"Get Misato on the radio."

She huffs a bit, but complies.

"Hello? What's happening down there?!" asks Misato.

Asuka and I report the situation we're in. I made sure to tell Misato the location of the Angel's core, which caught her attention.

"The core's in there you say," she says, probably mostly talking to herself. "Okay, I got an idea."

Misato explains to us and to the crew of the Over The Rainbow her plan to kill the Angel. She wants the crew to use the Eva's umbilical cable as a sort of fishing line, in order to drag the Angel closer to the surface. Meanwhile, two evacuated warships will sink, falling into the Angel's path. Asuka and I will then open the creature's mouth, giving it a taste of the entire arsenal of two remotely activated warships at point-blank range.

The plan sounds desperate, and a lot of things need to go right for it to work. But I know it'll succeed.

The Angel continues shaking the Eva, throwing us around the entry plug. It only stops when I feel something snag at the back of Unit-02, pulling the Angel away from the bottom of the ocean.

The crew must've already begun reeling in the umbilical cable. I need to get the Angel's mouth open, now!

Being thrown around caused Asuka to let go of the control handles. I have to crawl over her to grab them.

I start pulling them back, trying to force the Eva to open the Angel's jaws.

"Huh? What are you- Hey get off me you pervert! ! !" screams Asuka.

"Get the fuck over yourself! You're not that pretty!" I say while gritting my teeth. "I'm trying to pry this Angel's ja- HEY! ! !"

The bitch starts hitting me!

"WHO SAID YOU COULD USE MY EVA WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! ! !"

I grab one of her wrists and glare at her.

"Hit me again, and I will shove my foot up your ass."

She matches my glare with her own. I sigh in frustration.

"Look, if we don't work together, then Misato's plan will fail. You understand?"

She doesn't say anything for a few seconds, then sighs. "Fine."

I nod then start pulling on the control handles as hard as I can. Asuka reaches over me to grab the same controls.

"Don't get any ideas." she tells me.

"Shut up and pull."

We use every bit of strength we have in our bodies to try to get the Angel to open its mouth. I don't focus on anything around me. Not on Asuka, not on the pain in my arms. I just focus on getting the Eva to use all its strength.

Come on! Open damn it!

Suddenly, I feel a surge of power spread across my entire form! It's like there's fire in my blood! I'm having trouble staying still. A large grin paints my face as I let out a laugh. Apparently, Asuka feels the same thing I'm feeling, because she's laughing as well.

Digging deep, we pull back on the controls as hard as we can. We let out a primal scream as we completely pry the Angel's mouth open. Not even a minute passes when two warships fall into the creature's gaping maw.

"NOW! ! !" Asuka and I command over the radio. As soon as we said that, those ships unleashed hell inside that Angel, which is followed by an explosion. The blast pushes us out of the water and sends us flying into one of the other warships. When we land on the vessel, we collapse.

Both of us are breathing hard. Yet, despite the life threatening situation we were put through, smiles are painted on our faces.

"You *huff* did pretty good." I compliment her.

"Of *huff* course I did," she gloats. "I'm am *huff* the best pilot *huff* after all."

I chuckle. "You could *huff* at least pretend to be modest."

We both continue to laugh, not bothering to open the entry plug for a while.

I just got back to Misato's apartment. It was a long fucking day, to I just plopped onto the couch in the living room. I didn't even bother taking off my shoes when I entered this place.

"Well, today was exciting wasn't it." Misato says in a cheerful voice.

"That's one way of putting it," I respond, the couch muffling my voice. "Can we talk later? I'm tired."

"Oh stop being a baby." I hear the fridge open, followed by a click and a hissing sound. No doubt she's drinking a beer. "Now, tell me what you think of Asuka."

I let out a long exhale then pick my head off the couch. Misato's taking a sip of beer, waiting for my response.

"What can I say," I start. "She's a loud-mouthed bitch."

Despite helping me with today's mission, my opinion of her hasn't changed one bit. Our cooperation was just a temporary truce to defeat a common enemy.

"What a shame. *Sigh* I was really hoping you'd get along with her."

"If she had an attitude adjustment, maybe I would."

A smile creeps its way onto Misato's face.

"Perhaps it's a good thing you didn't get along with her. *Snicker* It gives Rei less competition."

I nearly fell off the couch before scowling at Misato.

"You know what. I'm not getting into this argument. Not right now." I head to my room. "I'm gonna take a nap. Don't bother me."

"Awww! You're no fun." She says in mock disappointment.

I enter my room then fall asleep. Tomorrow's a school day, but I know it's not gonna be an ordinary day. Just what I fucking need. Shit.

Tomorrow morning, I made myself breakfast then walked to school. Class hasn't begun yet, so there's no teacher in the homeroom. Everyone's getting settled and are talking to each other. Rei speaks with me briefly, digging for information on the pilot of Unit-02. That, and I think she just wanted to hear my opinion of her. Anyway, I told her everything I knew, satisfying her curiosity. Right now, I'm speaking with Toji and Kensuke. Toji's rubbing his right shoulder. Probably still aches from yesterday.

"Damn, you didn't have to hit me that hard." Toji tells me.

"I warned you not to say a word about the plugsuit," I remind him. "But noooo. You just had to open your mouth."

"Hey! It was funny and you know it!" he says while grinning. "Come on Kensuke! Back me up!"

"Not getting involved," says Kensuke. "Unlike you I bruise easily."

"He's smart. You should follow his example." A smirk carves its way onto my face.

"Whatever." Toji crosses his arms.

Kensuke lets out a laugh. "Well, can we all take solace that at least we won't be running into Asuka again."

Toji chuckles. "Yeah, good for me and you. Michael still has to work with her."

Kensuke gives me an overly dramatic look. "You have my sympathies."

I can't help but laugh. Sadly, they're wrong about me only meeting Asuka at work.

"Yeah. . .about about that-"

The sound of the front door opening cuts me off. Everyone in class thinks it's the teacher, so they become quiet and stare at the front of the room. But it isn't a teacher who walks in. Instead, a girl with red hair strolls into the room, heading to the chalkboard. Toji and Kensuke's jaws fall to the floor. I let out a frustrated sigh. The girl grabs some chalk and writes her name in big, bold, letters on the chalkboard. She then turns to the class.

"The name is Asuka Langley Soryu! Charmed I'm sure!"

Author's Notes: That's right folks! Asuka's finally been introduced into the story! I've been wanting to write how Michael would interact with her, so as you can imagine, I had a ton of fun with this! Hope I kept her in character and I hope you guys enjoyed the story. Feel free to leave a review.

Chapter 7 hint: The band's name is another word for paradise (think Buddhism). The name of the song should be obvious once you figure out the band's name.

New chapter will arrive in a few weeks. Hmm. Maybe a month.