EVA: A World Twisted Chapter 9: Moving Day
The alarm didn't wake her up, no what caused Misato to stir was the wonderful smell drifting into her room.
Shinji's making breakfast she thought removing herself from the covers.
The delicious aroma called to her, and Misato moved quickly to find the source. A fortunate glance in her mirror halted her quest for food. In her hunger, Misato had forgotten she went to sleep in just panties. Her shirt lay on the floor next to the bed, her bra...she wasn't sure where that was. That infamous smile crept across her face as she considered for a few moments going out to breakfast as she was and letting Shinji see almost everything.
Shinji would of course go bright red at the sight of Misato topless, turn his head, and try not to look, like the gentleman he was. If Draven had arrived early, as he often did to help Shinji with breakfast or lunches for the day, that wouldn't be an issue either. He would close his eyes and continue to talk as if nothing was wrong. She knew her guys would not look as much as they wanted to, as much as their teenage hormones would shout "Look at the hot babe wearing nothing but panties you idiot" they would resist temptation. Not that she minded if they stared at her.
The problem would be Asuka. Misato liked the German girl, she was part of the family after all, it was just her personality could be a bit volatile. If Misato were to go out topless, Asuka would scream bloody murder accusing all present of being perverts. Draven would end up getting slapped, as he always did. Misato wondered if it was some defensive reaction. Any time a woman paid attention to those two, Asuka would always make some comment about how the boys were perverts or other despairing comments as if to drive away any other woman.
In the end, Misato felt it best to put her shirt on, the bra however would be abandoned. She could still have some fun with Shinji with just a loose shirt. In the growing sunlight, a gemstone twinkled on her nightstand. It was given to her a week ago, after the incident with the giant orb thing. A lavender stone that matched her hair perfectly. She had never seen a gem like it and had been unable to find it in any reference book leading her to believe the story that it was from another world
During the debriefing, the children reported about being transported to a world called Pysmos by the wizard Merklynn. This wizard gave them armor, weapons, and totem animals so they could save a group called Spectral Knights from their enemies the Darkling Lords. The gemstone had come from a bag of gold they took off a guard before using the rest of it to bribe one of the Darkling Lords. Draven had slipped out three gemstones and two gold coins. The gemstones were now in the hands of Rei, Asuka, and Misato while the gold coins were kept by Shinji and Draven.
Shinji was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on breakfast. She walked up behind him to give him a morning hug.
"Good morning," said Misato brightly
"M-m-morning Misato" Shinji stammered, he could feel her breasts against his back. Which was exactly what Misato wanted. She pressed against a bit more, before letting go to grab a beer.
Looking back, she saw Shinji was holding his shoulder as if in pain
"Shinji are you alright?" Misato asked at once alarmed
"Yeah," Shinji said "Just still a bit sore from that fight last week."
"Well you're the idiot who destroyed that Decay staff" replied a new voice
Asuka had woken up and was ready for breakfast.
"Seemed like a good idea at the time" Shinji replied sheepishly.
"Such a boy, you just had to go swinging your sword around didn't you?" replied Asuka with an exasperated look on her face
"Shinji," said Misato in a sultry voice "Will you swing your sword for me too?"
Shinji's face changed to a bright red as he focused on serving breakfast.
"Really Misato" commented Asuka helping herself to food "Why do you always do that? Why must you degrade yourself for this idiot?"
Misato took a drink of her beer "Because teasing Shinji isn't degrading Asuka. If anything the way you throw yourself at Kaji is far more degrading"
"Hmrph" answered Asuka "Kaji's way better than this spineless wimp"
"From what all of you said about Prysmos, Shinji is anything but spineless." said Misato "Kaji's got looks and charm but that's about it, I'd rather have a man I know is going to stand by me."
She gave Shinji a wink "After all hawks are very loyal creatures. So are wolves for that matter"
The door chimed
"Speaking of wolves..." said Shinji and rose to open the door.
"Morning ladies" waved Draven
"Morning" replied Misato smiling "We were just talking about Shinji's sword"
Shinji's face turned red again.
"So" Misato continued "How's yours?"
"My sword skills are excellent;" replied Draven, seeing the double meaning and deciding to throw it back at Misato a bit. "Would you care for a demonstration?
SMACK! The sounds of a book hitting Draven's head echoed in the small apartment.
The American staggered before looking at the source of the attack.
"What was that for?" he asked looking directly at Asuka
"Because you're out of arm's range!" she said angrily before storming off to get ready for school
"I'd hoped she would soften on me a bit after everything we've been through" muttered Draven as he watched Asuka storm off.
"Yeah right," said Shinji "You know her. Any guy that's not Kaji is just in her way"
"Yeah well..."
"I'll speak to her later," said Misato irritated "Just because we're joking around does not give her the right to hurt you"
"So are we doing this today?" asked Shinji anxiously.
Draven looked at him for a moment puzzled "OH yeah, moving day!"
Misato choked on her beer "Shinji! Are you moving out on me?" she cried
"No of course not Misato," said Shinji waving his hand frantically "I mean moving day for Rei. We got her a new place remember?
"And here I thought you were leaving me. Figured I was going to have to start walking around topless if that's what it took to keep you here Shinji" teased Misato leaning forward, allowing the top of her shirt to open.
As she predicted the boys both turned their gaze away from her
The door chimed again "That'll be Toji and Kensuke," said Draven
"Good, let's grab them before they start drooling all over the floor," said Shinji hurrying to meet his friends.
"Have a good day guys, don't work too hard" called Misato sweetly
NERV HQ
In a large and darkened office, Commander Ikari sat with his ever-present Sub Commander. In front of them stood Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, as she went over her latest findings
"All data shows the children suffered no ill effects from the recent incident with the unknown entity" reported the doctor
"Do you believe this story reported to Captain Katsuragi?" asked Commander Ikari
"Well, the idea of being transported to another world seems rather far-fetched. It would explain why they woke up when the entity returned. It would also explain the markings we found on the pilot's arms when they woke up"
"You said the markings had vanished," said Commander Ikari with a tone of accusation
"Correct, the markings were gone about an hour after the children woke up but it was clear they were of animals and corresponded with the so-called 'totem animals' they claim to have received from this Merklynn character" reported Dr Akagi going over her notes.
"Has this affected their synchronization scores?" asked the older Sub Commander
"The score of all four have increased slightly, although Draven has yet to go above 7%"
"I see. Very good Dr Akagi, keep me informed of any changes or if these markings should appear again. Dismissed" said Ikari
"Yes sir,"
When she was gone
"So what do you think Ikari?" asked Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki
"It is possible the pilots have been contaminated by whatever happened. We will have to watch them carefully" answered Ikari
"Your son, a hawk, not quite the animal I Imagined." commented the older man
Commander Ikari stood. "I have matters to attend to"
Without another word, the Supreme Commander of NERV left through a hidden door on the far left wall.
"I wonder what your totem animal would be Ikari" whispered Fuyutsuki to himself "A snake perhaps"
The NERV cafeteria was not known for its fine cuisine, but at least their coffee was good. Kaji sat back drinking a cup of the place's finest blend and carefully watching the female NERV staff.
A new arrival caught his attention. About as tall as Misato, little better figure and long blonde hair. Kaji wondered if she would allow him to give a guided tour.
He rose from his only to be shoved roughly back down. Looking up, he stared into the annoyed face of Misato.
"You will not be harassing the new hires Kaji," she said sharply. Even after all these years he still hadn't changed. Flirting with anything female. The one small saving grace is he never went after underage girls, otherwise who knows what he would have done to the all too willing Asuka
"Now Katsuragi, what kind of man do you take me for" he asked, his trademark grin plastered on his face.
"You don't want me to answer that one" Misato responded
"Having fun?"
Ritsuko had just arrived for her morning cup. She was pleased to see her old friends there.
"Katsuragi and I were just discussing the new faces," said Kaji lazily
"I see, you mean that blonde right Kaji?" asked the doctor "Replacing me already?"
"You could never be replaced in my heart Rits, you know that" Kaji assured his old friend
"I don't believe it" grumbled Misato
"You don't believe I feel that strongly about Ritsuko?" asked Kaji
"I don't believe you have a heart," Misato said before storming off to her office.
TOKYO-3 HIGH SCHOOL
The sky was a brilliant blue. Shinji watched as birds soared high as he waited by the school gate.
"You yearn to spread your wings, to seek your destiny" That's what Merklynn had said.
A part of him wished he could use the hawk totem to transform, to fly high in the sky, free of all worries and free of EVA.
He hated EVA...but if it wasn't for EVA he wouldn't be here in Tokyo-3.
He wouldn't have met Rei or Misato. His friends, Draven, Toji, and Kensuke, were in his life because of EVA. Otherwise, he would still be with his teacher and alone. His teacher wasn't a bad person just not very good at raising a teenager. The man only did it for the money Shinji's father sent him. Misato, for all her faults, was a far better guardian. Shinji hated fighting, he hated getting hurt but enjoyed the times with Misato, Rei, his friends, and even Asuka.
Leoric, leader of the Spectral Knights, had said "Fighting wars is never good. But sometimes you must fight to protect what was precious to you" Hadn't Draven said the same thing while quoting his brother? Maybe EVA wasn't so bad if it allowed him to protect what was important to him.
"Are you ready?" a voice asked quietly causing Shinji to jump
Rei had come up behind him.
"Yes" answered Shinji "Draven's supposed to help too. Where is he?"
As an answer, the boy in question came running up "Hey guys sorry I'm late"
The left side of his face was bright red
"You have been injured," Rei said
"Oh, this." said Draven pointing to the red mark "It's nothing."
"Teased Asuka again didn't you?" asked Shinji amused. He knew the tell-tale signs of Asuka's slap
"I didn't do anything this time" Draven answered in a huff.
"Right" replied Shinji "why don't I believe that?"
"Oh shut up," said Draven, "A girl from Class 4-A asked me about the U.S. I was helping her when Asuka came up and started going off on me"
Injured for simply talking to a girl? Thought Rei. Her hand balled into a fist, Rei had a powerful urge to find the Second Child and deliver that fist into the red-head's smug face.
"Better get going," said Shinji looking a his phone. "We don't want it to get dark before we finish"
"I do not have much to move," said Rei, keeping the anger out of her voice. "My personal effects are not many."
"Yeah and the place is already furnished," said Draven "So we don't even need to get a moving truck, Well when I say furnished it has the basics, you'll still need a T.V. and a few kitchen appliances"
"I do not require a T.V.," replied Rei. It was true she had never watched T.V., such things never interested her.
"Still you should at least get a new computer, yours is almost older than us," said Shinji
"Agreed, video games are a great way to deal with stress after a long day," said Draven "We get decent pay we, you should at least put some of it to use."
"I didn't know we got paid till you said something" commented Shinji "I've offered to help Misato with the rent but she won't take it"
The three friends walked off the school grounds. Unaware of the eyes watching them. Two of these pairs belonged to a certain red-head and her best friend.
"Where are they going?" asked Asuka
"I heard Rei was moving into a new apartment today I think the boys are going to help her move" answered Hikari
"A likely story" replied Asuka, her hands on her hips "Who knows what perverted things they plan to do with that doll."
"Asuka you didn't need to slap Draven earlier," said Hikari "He wasn't doing anything wrong"
"Are you kidding me? He was staring right at her chest"
"She's the one who opened the top buttons," said Hikari dryly "If she wasn't an upperclassman I would have yelled at her"
A third pair of eyes were emerald green, watching from the shadows of tall buildings. The owner of these eyes smiled and spoke two words "Found you."
NERV HQ
Deep in the bowels of an already top-secret facility, a man stands in front of a large tube.
Gendo Ikari looks intensely at the glass tube. Inside was a girl of about 10, her skin was pale like Rei's, and her hair was aqua-green
"Progress?" asked Gendo
Behind him, Dr Akagi was looking over computer screens This lab was one of the most secret rooms in the entire base, less than half a dozen people knew about it.
"She's progressing nicely," said the blonde woman "We rushed this one into production during the incident with that crystal orb, Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"I made mistakes with Rei," admitted Gendo "I allowed her to be corrupted by outside forces. That will not happen with this one"
"Have you given her a name?" asked Ritsuko gesturing to the girl in the tank
"That's pointless. She will not leave this room until the right time. She needs no name" replied Commander Ikari.
"What will we do with Rei?" asked Ritsuko, she despised the blue hair girl
"Let her be. She can still be of use to us."
"Is that why you approved her move?" asked Akagi
"It was done to placate her. Rei has been questioning her role Those idiot boys have sown the seeds of doubt," commented Ikari anger creeping into his voice. "She has been tainted. but she can still pilot an EVA so she still has some value.
It only took one trip with the moving company to bring al of Rei belonging to her new apartment.
"That was easier than I thought," said Shinji placing the box in Rei's new home
The place was a mirror of Draven's apartment just down the hall. Two bedrooms, a modest kitchen, and a living room. The view out the living room window showed the impressive Tokyo-3 skyline. Maybe because Rei didn't have as much stuff, but this place seemed bigger or at least emptier than Draven's place It was much safer than her old one, and Shinji was glad Rei had at least one friend in the building should there be an emergency
"Thank you, Shinji"
He turned to see Rei coming out from her bedroom.
"I'm glad to help. Where did Draven go?" asked Shinji looking around, the American was nowhere in sight.
"He is discussing something with the movers. " said Rei "That was the final box"
Rei moved closer to Shinji, she was mere inches from him when she spoke again "Shinji, if you wish, you may spend the night here at any time" Her voice was just above whisper
"Rei." Shinji began. What was he supposed to say? He and Rei had just started spending time together, wasn't this a little too soon? A mental image of Rei wearing the kinds of things Misato slept in flashed in his mind. Speaking of which how would Misato react to him spending the night at Rei's? He would either get a lecture on safe sex or be teased mercilessly, actually knowing Misato it would probably be both.
Rei leaned in closer to Shinji., their lips were just a hair width away when the lights went out.
Shinji pulled back from the blue-haired beauty "What happened?"
There was a noise in the hallway and he heard a voice mutter in English. A beam of light bathed the two teens.
"Hey " called Draven, when he saw his friends standing so close "Oops. I'll come back later"
"Wait" called Shinji "We weren't doing anything. What's going on?"
"The power's out" explained Draven "Phones are out too, I tried calling the Management Office"
Shinji took out his phone, "My cell doesn't have service either."
"We must get to NERV," Rei said at once
"Why NERV?" asked Shinji
"If there is no cell serviced it means this power blackout might be a city-wide phenomenon. We could be in danger" explained Rei
"Not one of those damn cults I hope" Draven muttered
Shinji was about to question him when Rei gestured for them to move out
They locked Rei's apartment, then headed for NERV pausing only long enough for Draven to grab something from his apartment then lock it.
The American handed Shinji something "Flashlight?" asked Shinji
"Yeah, Bro always believed in being prepared," said Draven
The stairs, like the rest of the building, were black as night. Even with their flashlights, the teens had to move carefully. Finally reaching the ground floor, they moved through the building into the street. The afternoon sun was low in the sky, as they feared the traffic lights were out.
"Damn, looks like it is the whole city," muttered Draven
"How does a whole city lose power?" asked Shinji
"Everyone forgot to pay their electric bill?" suggested Draven
"This is no accident' Rei said simply "This way"
Rei ran off and the boys right behind her.
The blue-haired beauty was irritated. She had been so close, that the thought of kissing Shinji had been on her mind since their afternoon together. He was in her dreams, doing more than just kissing her. One dream had seemed so real, that Rei was upset when she woke to find Shinji was not next to her. The irritation grew upon reaching NERV's entrance to find the one she despised most already there.
"I was wondering when you idiots would show up," Asuka said as they ran up
"We took the scenic route," said Draven
" Power out here too?" asked Shinji
"No, I'm standing here for my health, Of course, the powers out here you idiot!" snapped Asuka
"Enough," Rei said angrily. "We must get to the Geo Front"
"Before that, we need to elect a leader' said Asuka.
"Why?" asked Draven
"Are you stupid? All groups need a leader!" Asuka said, a smug smile on her face "I nominate myself!"
Rei's earlier anger at Asuka boiled up again and merged with the irritation of being interrupted by Shinji. Perhaps it was time to finally have it out with the German girl. Rei took a step towards Asuka, her hands balled into fists.
"OK fine," said Draven "Let's just get to the Geo Front."
Rei paused, no, she couldn't let her anger cloud her judgment. She and the red-head would have their day of reckoning even if Pilot Soryu wasn't aware it was coming
"So," Shinji asked, "Which way?"
Elsewhere in Tokyo -3
First LT Matoko Hyuga emerged from the laundry mat with a bag full of clothes.
"Why do I do this." he wondered aloud "Why do I let Captain Katsuragi talk me into these things?"
The young man sighed, he had fallen for Misato Katsuragi almost immediately. She was beautiful, intelligent, and strong-willed. She was also his superior officer making it very likely he could ever been anything to her other than a co-worker, maybe a friend Hyuga shook his head, he needed to get over her and move on.
A loud crash snapped him out of his depression. He saw a huge spider-like creature walking down the streets of Tokyo-3.
"A new angel" he gasped "I gotta get to NERV"
His dilemma lasted only a moment, a passing election truck provided his answer.
"Oh yeah," Hyuga said smiling
In the tunnels of NERV
"So what did you mean before about this being the work of a cult?" asked Shinji
"Hm?" asked Draven
"You mentioned cults when we left your building before"
"Ah that, well" began Draven "There are some people who feel the Angels we're fighting are messengers of God, and NERV is going against God's will by fighting them. They're religious terrorists who want NERV and anyone even remotely associated with NERV dead. You and I, Shinji, they'd butcher us without a moment hesitation and I hate to think what they would do to the girls"
Shinji felt a shudder to go down his spine.
Rei spoke up "NERV is aware of this cult, and has taken matters to ensure they do not get anywhere near Tokyo-3 or us"
"Never underestimate the power of a deranged mind and the brainless sheep that follow it," said Draven
"You should know," said Asuka from the front of the group
Draven's response was lost by the shouts of a familiar voice over a loudspeaker
"It's Hyuga!" exclaimed Shinji "HEY DOWN HERE!"
Hyuga didn't hear them but kept repeating the same message over the loudspeaker
"There is an Angel on the way. There is an Angel on the way!"
"A new Angel" Shinji, Asuka and Draven said together.
"This way," said Rei
GEO FRONT
Hyuga had just arrived with his grim message.
"We must prepare the Evangelions," said Commander Ikari
"But who is going to pilot them?" asked the elder sub-commander
Ikari didn't answer, as he took an elevator down to the Cage areas.
"Would it kill you to explain something once in a while?" complained NERV's Sub Commander.
The older man then turned to the staff "Has anyone located Captain Katsuragi yet?"
"No Sir," responded Maya. "Agent Kaji is missing too"
"I don't want to know" mutteredFuyutsuki
Somewhere deep within NERV a different conflict plays out in a powered-down elevator
"Why of all people did I get stuck here with you?" asked Misato
"Good fortune?" replied Kaji lazily
"Good for who?"
"Good for both of us." said Kaji moving closer to Misato "We haven't had much time together since I got here"
He put his arms around Misato's shoulders. "I missed you, you know" whispered Kaji into Misato's ear
Misato's elbow struck Kaji in his gut. Turning around she shoved him against the wall.
"If you cared, you could have called or written or something," Misato said angrily "You left me back then remember?"
"Business before pleasure" Kaji muttered weakly
"OH? Visiting Draven while he was still in the States was out of the kindness of your heart and not because of attractive women that were there?"
" You know about that?' asked Kaji
"I asked Draven how he knew you. He greeted you by name back on that naval carrier remember?"
"What else did he say?" asked Kaji, there were more than a few things Misato didn't need to know. Unfortunately for him, Draven knew a couple of them.
"He said you just kept tabs on him, dropping in every so often. Or is there more?" demanded Misato
Kaji didn't answer
"Looks like I need to debrief Mr. Dunway when we get out of here"
"He won't tell you anything," said Kaji.
"Oh?" asked Misato "I have ways of making a male talk"
"Yes, you do" muttered Kaji. He slumped to the floor. Why couldn't Ritsuko be the one in here with him?
CAGE AREA
Through the use of manpower and gasoline generators, the Evangelions were primed and ready.
"The EVAs are ready and waiting." a tech reported. "All systems ready to go"
"Excellent" replied Commander Ikari
"Now all we need is the pilots," said Ritsuko.
As if by cue a loud thumping came from the duct work overhead mixed with voices.
A vent fell open and three of the three teens spilled down to the floor
Rei landed gracefully.
"You stupid perverts were trying to look up my dress," said Asuka
"We didn't'" protested Shinji
"Told you before, plain white isn't worth it," said Draven
Asuka pulled back her arm to deliver her famous slap. Ritsuko stopped her arm
"Knock it off," she said "We have an Angel, you four need to get moving"
"The EVAs?" asked Shinji
"Ready and waiting. Commander Ikari had them prepared, he knew you would show" explained Ritsuko
"He did? My father?" asked a stunned Shinji. The pilots could see the entry plugs were in position.
"Maybe he's not as big of a bastard as I thought" Draven whispered as they headed to change
"That's like saying the EVA's not as tall as you thought, doesn't make it small" replied Shinji
The teens were ready and in their machines ten minutes later.
"The Angel is above us, you will need to use the air ducts to reach it," shouted Ritsuko, her megaphone deafening anyone standing nearby. Spare battery packs clipped to the shoulder would allow the EVAs to operate beyond the usual five minutes
"Move out" ordered Ritsuko
Draven moved the Danner forward right behind EVA-00.
I may not have an AT field but at least I don't need batteries Draven thought Thank you Drive System.
In the cockpit, he glanced over to his right. The command prompt for the Twin Drive System was there
"Still haven't figured out what that is" he muttered to himself
"I can't believe we're crawling through ductwork again" whined Asuka
"I can not believe you are still complaining" Rei answered
"Listen Wondergirl, you may be used to this kind of humiliating..."
"Will you two cut it out?" said Draven. "We're at the vertical shaft."
With EVA-02 in the lead, they began to climb the vertical shaft to reach street level. As they climbed a substance began to fall on them. Whatever it touched began to melt away...acid.
"OK, now what?" asked Shinji after they had taken refuge in an air duct.
"The rifles went down the shaft as did the batteries"
"I'll climb up and neutralize the A.T. Field, Shinji you be offensive, get in a position you can shoot from, 1st, go down the shaft get a rifle, and throw it to Shinji," said Asuka
"What I do?" asked Draven
"Take notes on how real pilots work" replied Asuka "CHARGE!"
Asuka readied herself to protect her teammates from the acid, as she neutralized the A.T. Field. She could feel the acid burn on the back of her EVA, the pain was worse than being in the volcano. It felt as if her back was melting
"REI" shouted Shinji as he got in position to fire. Rei had reached for the rifle and threw one up to Shinji. Shinji looked up, took careful aim, and then the Angel exploded.
"What the hell?" exclaimed the bewildered boy
Before Shinji pulled the trigger before he could even tell Asuka to move, the target was dead.
"Shinji did you get it?" asked Asuka, the acid had stopped but she hadn't heard a shot
"The Angel's dead but I didn't do it!" exclaimed Shinji
"Then what the hell just happened?" asked Asuka.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
The teens stretched out in a meadow overlooking Tokyo-3
"The city looks so quiet without the lights," Shinji said
On cue, the building began to light up and soon the city was shinning again
"Much better," said Asuka, "Without the lights it's like there are no people"
"Man fears the darkness so he lights the night with fire" commented Rei
"To bring the beautiful night" muttered Draven, lying on his back and looking into the night sky
"What was that?" asked Shinji
"One of the scientists at Brandt used to go on about 'the beautiful night'." Explained Draven "He said when man first lit the darkness, he wasn't afraid anymore but the result was pollution and damage to the ecosystem. The beautiful night was the idea of not fearing the darkness and not causing damage to the planet. He wanted to create a new energy source, nonpolluting and recyclable"
"Did he?" asked Shinji
"Somewhat." replied Draven "His research led to the Drive System that powers the Danner."
There was silence, each teen lost in their thoughts before Shinji spoke again
"Do you think they believed us when we said the Angel just exploded?"
"Who cares?" asked Asuka lazily "It's dead right? Isn't that all that matters?"
"Commander Ikari and Dr. Akagi will find the answers," answered Rei
"But if we didn't kill the angel," asked Shinji "who did?"
"I got a better question," said Draven sitting up "Where in world is Misato?"
END CHAPTER 9