Chapter 14: We Are V.R. Troopers!
The taser blades clashed and clashed again. Shinji ducked to avoid Draven's strike, then swung his weapon upward, nearly striking his opponent's face. Draven stepped back and struck again, but Shinji parried the blow. The two swords clashed again, each wielder trying to force the other off balance. Neither would give an inch. The stalemate was interrupted by a loud ding.
The boys stepped apart, each breathing heavily.
"Saved by the bell," said Draven looking at the timer they had set up
"Yeah, you were" agreed Shinji.
"Me?" I had you beat." replied Draven, handing his friend a towel and bottle of water.
The boys stood on the roof of Draven's apartment complex. Their beam katana sparing had gotten intense, so they had moved onto the roof to avoid damaging Draven's apartment
Shinji draped the towel over his shoulders and drank from the water bottle. He looked around nervously
"Is it my imagination or do you feel like we're being watched?" he asked.
Draven glanced around, "Now that you mention it, yeah."
"It's not just today, I've been getting that feeling the last couple of times we did this," said Shinji, pouring some water over his head. Despite feeling like Autumn not too long ago, the temperature had shot back up to what Toji called "stupid hot" so the boys were dressed in only gym shorts during their mock battle.
"Section 2?" suggested Draven still looking around. Each widow reflected the bright morning sun. Was there some unknown threat lurking behind one of them? Was someone waiting for the right opportunity? Did he and Shinji have their own Chainsaw Man hiding behind one of the mirrored windows hoping for a chance to strike them down?
"But they're always watching us," said Shinji. "I don't know this feels...different"
"Let's get back downstairs for now" suggests Draven not liking the idea of being watched.
Back in the apartment, Shinji sat down in the living room as Draven went on a room-by-room inspection. Shinji knew this routine had less to do with psycho killers and more to do with psycho blondes. On the end table, there was a picture of a man in his late twenties. Shinji picked up the picture, the man had brown hair and a cocky smile he was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans He was messing up the hair of a young boy that Shinji recognized as a much younger Draven. The young boy was waving excitedly at the camera. The older guy must be Micheal Serwan, Draven's older brother and the original pilot of the Danner.
Shinji set the picture back down on the table. As he did the light hit the photo in a way that Shinji noticed the left side of the photo had a jagged edge, as if it had been damaged
"You do that every time?" Shinji asked as Draven returned to the living room, with a fresh bottle of water for each of them
"Do you blame me?" asked Draven
"Good point. I'm still edgy after Erica slipped into my room" answered Shinji
"Could have been worse" said Draven
"How?" asked Shinji
"You don't want to know," answered Draven "Myna pulled some truly insane things while she was in the States"
"I meant to ask," said Shinji "If you knew Myna before why didn't you know she had a sister?"
"I met Myna and her mother when Core Guner was at Aegis Base. Myna wanted some specialized training from the other pilots there " explained Draven " I don't know why Erica and Volspina weren't with them."
"So that's when the obsession started huh?" Shinji laughed
"Go ahead, laugh," said Draven "Erica is just like her sister, just wait, I haven't; even told you the craziest things Myna did "
Shinji stopped laughing. "I don't want to think about that."
Most guys would be thrilled at a girl like her being so focused on them but they didn't have to contend with Misato, Rei, or even Asuka for that matter. Misato had already teased him about Erica being in bed with him. Asuka just kept calling him a pervert whenever the subject came. Thankfully Rei seemed to know it wasn't his fault but how much more would she let slide before she decided he wasn't worth the trouble?
"You know Shinji" Draven said "There is a very simple way to end all your problems"
"How?" asked Shinji.
"Just go up to her, and say 'Erica, I'm sorry but I'm in love with Rei'" said Draven "Simple as that."
"Oh yeah, simple," said Shinji sarcastically. "If it's that simple, why haven't you said that about Asuka yet?"
"Well. that's complicated" admitted Draven
"Is anything with Asuka not complicated?" asked Shinji "Is it worth it?"
"Some things are" replied Draven smiling. Images of Asuka began to flash in his mind. The confident, slightly arrogant smile, that blazing look in her eyes.
Shinji saw his friend's eyes begin to glaze over.
"If you're going to daydream about Asuka, I'm going to leave," he said
"Ha Ha" responded Draven
"I'd better go anyway," said Shinji "We have that test at NERV later. I'll need to take a shower and get cleaned up."
"Right, see you then," said Draven as he let Shinji out. After locking the door he turned for the bathroom. A shower was a good idea, with all the images of Asuka dancing in his head, some of them now including her in that stripped bikini, he'd better make it a cold shower.
NERV HQ
Asuka walked confidently down the hall of NERV HQ. This was the day she had been waiting for. The VR combat simulation was her chance to put that pervert and that bimbo in their places. Draven had long said his Danner could match her EVA in one battle, well now was the day Asuka could show him how weak that wind-up toy was. Then she would turn her attention to that blonde girl and put her in place too. After that Asuka would find Kaji convince him that she was the best for him. Yes today everything would set right
Rei was already changing when Asuka came in. Asuka watched her for a few moments, there would be time to deal with that doll later. The girls changed in the usual silence. Asuka had just started easing herself into her pursuit when the door to the locker room opened again and the Meiru sisters walked in.
"Well Sis, are you ready to show your stuff today?" asked Myna loudly
"Defiantly," said Erica
"You two bimbos are always showing your 'stuff'. Why should today be any different?" said Asuka,
"If I didn't know better I'd say someone is jealous," said Myna
"What?" replied Asuka "Jealous of you two silicone-filled airheads?"
"Oh we're all-natural," said Myna as she got undressed, "Care to check?" Myna thrust her exposed chest out towards Asuka. Asuka stepped back as if she was being threatened with a weapon.
"What kind of perverts are you?" demanded Asuka
"The kind that's going to get their men soon enough," said Erica.
Rei had been quiet this whole time, now she stood right in front of Erica
"You will not have Shinji," she said firmly
Erica smiled "That remains to be seen. He hasn't said who he wants to be with."
"Then we shall settle this today." Rei said, "I will not let you have Shinji."
Without another word Rei sealed her plug suit and walked from the locker room, the door banged loudly.
"That just leaves you and me Soryu," said Myna
"Leave us to do what?" demeaned Asuka
"Settle things"
"Hmprh I told you I don't care what you and the stupid pervert do!" said Asuka hotly
Myna laughed "I think the girl does protest too much."
Asuka finished adjusting her plug suit, hitting the button to make it skin-tight. "Just what are you suggesting?"
Myna studied the angry girl carefully. "Hmm didn't notice that the other day."
"Didn't notice what?" asked Asuka
"You're even smaller than I thought," said Myna
Asuka's hand flew up to deliver her trademark slap, only to have her arm caught by Myna.
"Slow reflexes too. Why Draven lets himself get hit by you I'll never understand." Myna said
"He doesn't let anything happen!" said Asuka, trying to pull her hand out of Myna's
"Oh please Soryu" laughed Myna
Asuka struggled to break free of Myna's grip but the girl was far stronger than her model body would make one think.
"You know nothing about Draven, like how strong he really is," said Myna smugly "or that he's got a thing for gyarus."
Asuka finally wrenched her arm away from Myna.
"I know all I need to know!" said Asuka hotly "He's just a pervert who pilots an imitation EVA!"
"A pervert that's saved your scrawny ass, a couple of times now," said Myna.
Asuka didn't respond instead she stormed from the locker room.
She was still angry when she arrived at the test plugs. Rei was pacing back and forth trying to calm herself before the test.
The enemy of my enemy.. .Asuka thought as she walked up to Rei
"Ayanami" Asuka said "You and I don't like each other, but right now we have a common enemy."
"Yes," said Rei, noticing Asuka had used her name for the first time since arriving in Tokyo-3.
"We will defeat them."
"Damn right," Asuka said holding out her hand.
The two girls shook hands. Neither of them saw the boy ducked back behind the corner they had just come around.
"They're shaking hands," Shinji said peaking his head around the corner
"Ah hell." muttered Draven "Rei and Asuka getting along?"
"I have a bad feeling about this," said Shinji
"Me too" agreed Draven
The six teens were soon settled into mock-ups of their respective cockpits. Ritsuko came over to the comm channel to explain the procedure for the test.
"This will be a combat simulation," said Ritsuko from the control room, where she, Maya, Misato, and Dr. Meiru stood to observe and analyze the data
"You will be divided into two teams. EVA and ROBO, the team members of each should be obvious."
"ROBO?" asked Shinji
"Major Katsuragi picked that name" explained Maya
"Geez. Don't you guys watch cartoons at all?" said Misato. "ROBO, like Machine Robo or Giant Robo!"
"Misato when's the last time you got la... a date?" asked Asuka changing her question at the last moment
"Watch it Asuka," warned Misato, she could hear the boys holding in laughter
"Anyway" interrupted Ritsuko before any of the other teens could comment "This simulation is set for on one combat. You will placed randomly throughout a virtual city. Your goal is simple, when you confront a member of the opposite team you will engage in battle in any method of your choosing. The only condition it must be one one-on-one, and once a fight, between two pilots begins, no one else may interfere. Does everyone understand?"
"Yes Ma'am" came the unanimous reply.
"Good," said Ritsuko, she turned to Maya "Begin the test"
Light swirled and danced in front of Asuka's eyes. When her vision was clear she was standing in a city. A perfect virtual copy of Tokyo-3. Asuka was soon moving along familiar and empty streets. She walked carefully through the city looking for her opponent. There was no radar so she had no clue if someone was hiding around any of the buildings waiting to take a shot at her. She kept her rifle ready moving slowly her eyes alert for any movement. She stepped into a wide intersection, to find someone waiting for her. Leaning against a building, arms folded across its chest was the Danner.
"Been waiting for you," said Draven through the comm channel "I believe you want to see just what I was capable of"
The Danner took up a position like a boxer, ready to start a match
Asuak studied him for a moment, beating this tin toy on her to-do list.
Before she could make a decision an energy beam sliced between the two combatants
.
"What the hell?" asked Asuka looking for the source. Then she saw it. Kneeling on a building several blocks to her right was a robot with a very feminine shape. Asuka never had a chance to get a good look at the Core Gunner before. It had a much more human appearance than her EVA. It looked like an EVA-size woman wearing armor. The right hand had changed into a long energy rifle.
"Damn it Myna" shouted Draven "This is my fight!"
"Sorry Darling" came Myna's reply over the com "But Red and I have something to settle."
"I was here first!" Draven shot back. He had been looking forward to finally getting to show Asuka the power of his Danner.
"Well, Soryu," asked Myna ignoring Draven "Care to spar with me instead?"
Asuka answered by raising her rifle and firing.
Core Gunner jumped down between the buildings "I was hoping you would say that" said Myna
"Draven" came Ristuko's voice over the com "Move on to your next opponent."
"But" stammered Draven
"That's an order Draven," said Misato. Several English swears were heard.
"That's not going to change the order" Misato replied calmly. "Go find either Rei or Shinji."
Still grumbling Draven turned his robot away from the fireworks emanating from the battle between Asuka and Myna.
"I hope Shinji's having a better time," he muttered
Shinji ducked behind a row of buildings. He moved quickly and as silently as the EVA-01 would allow. Like Draven he had spotted an opponent, unlike his friend, Shinji had no interest in battling her.
Erica moved Volspina through the virtual city. She had spotted the EVA-01, but it seemed to have disappeared
"Shin Ji" she called "come out, come out where ever you are."
She flexed her wrists, activating the trigger for the energy whips that were Volspina's main offensive weapons. Volspina was designed for close combat and high speed. The idea was to work with Core Gunner. Her sister's robot would provide cover fire while Erica would battle the Angel directly. Of course, this was before anyone knew about the AT field. She was convinced her robot could still fight an Angel. Draven had proved non-EVAs could battle angels, but she would need to be partnered with an EVA, not her sister.
"Ohh Shin Ji why must you play hard to get?" she called again "Come on now, don't you want to play with me? I don't mind getting a little rough."
"Geez" muttered Misato "Your daughters are something else"
Dr. Meiru shrugged "They're young."
Movement to her left caused Erica to turn.
"Ahhh there you.." said Erica pausing when she realized her opponent wasn't the EVA-01.
EVA-00 stood ready, with a long spear in hand
"Aww," said Erica "You're not who I was hoping for"
I know who you wanted but you will not have him" said Rei coldly. She raised her weapon into a battle stance
"Oh?" said Erica "So you want to fight me? Are we making Shinji the prize?"
"Oh for crying out loud" shouted Ritsuko "This is a serious combat simulation! What the hell are they doing playing around like this?"
"You need to remember, they are still teenagers," said Dr Meiru "We ask them to fight and put their lives on the line for us. You can't expect them to take, what is essentially a video game, too seriously"
"But fighting with Shinji as the prize," Said Misato shaking her head ."Can't they do that somewhere else?" Like somewhere I can take part too? Misato mentally slapped herself, damn it what the hell was wrong with her? These thoughts about Shinji were getting more frequent. Why was she so fascinated by the slight fourteen-year-old.? The answer wasn't hard. Guys like Kaji were good for a one-night thing. Guys like Shinji you keep and hold on to. The more Misato thought about it both boys were that kind of guy. They helped out with cooking, cleaning, and whatever else that needed to be done and didn't ask for anything in return. It didn't hurt that Shinji wasn't as thin as when he first arrived in Tokyo-3. The combination of EVA training and whatever he did with Draven had put a bit of muscle on his frame. Why couldn't she be fourteen again? Maybe a freak L.C.L. accident could do it.
Reis' voice snapped Misato out of her daydream "Shinji is not something to be won like a doll. However, I will still fight and defeat you."
"Well then," said Erica readying her whips "Let the fun begin" Volspina launched herself at EVA-00
Shinji was scrawling along on all fours. He could hear the sounds of battle behind him.
Something grabbed EVA-01's shoulder blade and pulled it into a sitting position. There, sitting behind another row of buildings was the Danner
"What's going on?" asked Shinji surprised to see his friend hiding
"Asuka and Myna are fighting over that way," said Draven, The Danner pointed to the direction Shinji had been crawling
"Rei and Erica are fighting back that way," said Shinji pointing back the way he came
"I think we'll just stay here," said Draven
"Good idea" agreed Shinji, leaning the EVA-01 back into a relaxed position
"Shinji! Draven!" Why are you two just sitting there?" shouted Ritsuko
"Because I was raised to be hot-blooded, not stupid" replied Draven "No way in hell am I getting between those girls."
"Maybe you haven't noticed but the two of you are on different teams, therefore you qualify to fight," said Ritsuko
"She's not going to give this up is she?" asked Shinji
"Boys, you heard Ritsuko," said Misato "Start slugging it out."
The two battle machines stood up.
"Might as well have some fun while doing this" said Draven
"How do we do that?" asked Shinji
"Remember those wrestling events we've been watching with Toji and Kensuke?" asked Draven
"Yeah..so ?" asked Shinji
Draven answered Shinji's question by smashing Danner's forearm into EVA-01's face.
EVA-01 staggered back
"Oh, that's the game plan? Fine" Shinji said as he charged forward and ducked down, driving EVA-01's shoulder into Danner's mid-section
"Now what the hell is going on?" asked Ritsuko wearily.
"Hey, you ordered them to fight," said Misato. "Go for it guys!"
Asuka's mind was racing as fast as her ammo was running out. The fight had reached a stalemate fast. Both girls had taken cover behind buildings and the fight had become them taking turns to shoot at each other. After a few rounds, two glaring issues had surfaced. To keep the simulation as real as possible, Asuka's rifle needs to be reloaded with new clips. She was down to one full and one half-full clip. The other issue was her enemy had an energy weapon, how long could it go before re-charging? Since there was no battery limit on her EVA during this test there might have been no limit to Myna's ammo. A plan was needed, she was not going to lose to this bimbo! Asuka studied her surroundings. The large chunks of buildings lying around her suggested an idea, a crazy idea but it might just work. With one smooth motion, EVA-02 scooped up a chunk of debris and threw it at Core Gunner.
As she expected Core Gunner blasted the large chunk of concrete
"What's the matter Soryu, out of ammo?" taunted Myna
Asuka threw several more large pieces, each was blasted into smaller pieces by her enemy. Asuka could hear her enemy moving. She adjusted EVA-02 into position, there would be just one chance to get this right.
Asuka threw several more chunks of stone wildly
"You're not even trying now," said Myna, her Core Gunner getting closer. "You should give up and stop embarrassing yourself
Core Gunner rounded the row of buildings where EVA-02 was as Asuka hurled one last piece of concrete. Myna didn't even aim but blasted the piece lazily. The resulting explosion was blinding. Myna realized then it hadn't been concrete Asuka had thrown, but an ammo pack. Before she could aim again EVA-02 was right in front of Core Gunner. Asuka grabbed the Gunner's gun arm and drove her Prog Knife into it, pinning it to the nearby building.
"Damn," said Myna as she struggled to free her main weapon
"By the way, I'm not out of ammo just yet," Asuka said readying her rifle
She emptied the half-full ammo clip into Core Gunner.
"Now I'm out." said Asuka proudly, "And that is why you do not screw with the Great Asuka Langley Soryu!"
"Go Asuka!" cheered Misato. "Sorry Amanda"
Dr. Meiru shrugged "Myna got cocky, careless, and lost. She's lucky this was only a simulation"
"Well that's one," said Ritsuko, "now let's see how the boys..."
The monitors switch back to the boys where EVA-01 had just dropped Danner on its back
"What the hell was that?" asked Ritsuko
Misato cheered "I didn't know Shinji could do a Power Bomb."
They watched as EVA-01 now covered Danner in an attempt to hold its shoulders down.
"What is he doing?" asked Ritsuko. A nervous twitch appeared above her right eye
"Going for the three count," said Misato "1...2...aww" The Danner had managed to get free., it grabbed EVA-01 and hoisted the enemy onto its shoulders.
"Alright, enough of that," said Ritsuko the nervous twitch getting worse
"Come on Rits, don't you want to see who's gonna win?" asked Misato "Hey can you make EVA-size folding chairs for this simulation or maybe some tables?"
Ritsuko shot a venomous look at Misato, before turning back to the screen. The image had shifted to EVA-00 fighting Volspina.
Both combatants showed damage. EVA-00 right shoulder unit was missing and there were deep cuts in Volspina's chest armor.
"Wow," said Misato "Looks like they really got serious"
"Well young Mr Ikari, is at a stake here," said Dr Meiru in an amused voice.
"That's not funny" responded Misato sternly.
In the simulation, Volspina launched into an attack, swinging its whips like a master.
EVA-00 blocked with the spear, the whips wrapped around the pole.
"Give it up Ayanami," said Erica as she tried to pull the weapon from the EVA's hand.
"I will not give in!" counted Rei pulling to free her weapon.
Erica raised the power level of her whips. This would allow them to cut through objects. It was this ability that she had used to slice off the EVA-00 shoulder unit. By utilizing this power control Erica was able to perform a variety of attacks, from grabbing and throwing objects to simply cutting through them.
Rei had a firm grip on her weapon, one hand right below the blade with her other midway down.
She saw the whips slowly cutting her weapon into pieces. Soon her spear would be little more than a knife and some useless sticks. Rei pulled back on her spear, as Erica pulled back on her whips. This was the moment Rei had been waiting for, so she was ready when the spear finally snapped. Volspina lost his balance, stumbling backward as EVA-00 the blade of the spear in hand rushed forward and drove the broken weapon directly into Volspina's throat.
"Two battles completed," said Ritsuko
"Wow, I didn't know Rei had it in her," said Misato
"You would be surprised what a girl can be capable of when the object of her affection is on the line," said Dr Meiru. "I believe that just leaves the boys."
Ritsuko was hesitant to switch back to the boys, but as they were the only ones left there was no option.
Her nervous twitch returned like a sledgehammer when she saw the battle.
EVA-01 was on the ground dazed. The Danner had climbed to the top of a building and was making some insane gesture with its hand, before leaping off and attempting to drive its elbow into the EVA.
"ENOUGH" shouted Ritsuko as she hit the kill switch for the simulation. If those boys were just going to play around there was no sense in wasting valuable resources.
"Why did you do that?" asked Misato "That was awesome, can I get a video of the whole fight?"
Ritsuko turned "Misato, so-called 'professional' wrestling is an idiotic, fake sport, how in the hell can you watch it?"
Dr Meiru stepped up with the answer "Let's see a bunch of attractive, muscular guys running around in minimal clothing... can't imagine why any woman would like it"
"You two are as bad as those teens," said Ritsuko as she turned back to the console. Commander Ikari would expect the results of the tests by the end of the day.
Men's locker Room
After being yelled at by Ritsuko for playing around during a serious test the boys had showered and changed back into their street clothes.
"I don't get why she's so pissed, she said we could choose..." Draven was saying.
A knock on the door halted the conversation.
"Come in," Shinji said somewhat confused. Who knocks before entering a locker room?
The quiet form of Rei slowly entered the room.
"Ah," said Draven seeing their visitor "I'll talk to you tonight Shinji"
He clasped his friend on the shoulder before gathering up his bag
"Later, Rei," he said as he passed her. The door swung open and he was gone.
"Shinji" Rei said quietly "We must talk"
Shinji felt a lump in his throat. Was this it? Was Rei finally tired of all Erica's stunts?
"Shinji" Rei said "I must know, What is your situation with Erica Meiru?'
"S-situation?" asked Shinji
Rei was standing very close to him now. Shinji flashed back to just after he had helped her move into her new apartment, they had been just a hair width away before the lights went out.
"Do you want to be with her?" asked Rei.
"I" Shinji started, he closed his eyes a moment and breathed deeply. He knew the moment was coming. He mustn't run away, not from this. This was far too important
"Shinji?" Rei said, for a girl who was still new to emotions her voice carried a great deal of fear
"No Rei" Shinji answered opening his eyes "I don't want to be with Erica, I want to be with you."
Trembling Rei, placed her hand on Shinji's cheek.
"Shinji... I..."
her voice was cut off by the locker room loudspeaker
"Shinji Ikari, report to Major Katsuragi's office"
"Misato" Shinji moaned as he began to step away "She has the worse..."
Rei grabbed Shinji's head in both hands, holding it tight as she pressed her lips against his.
Shinji was shocked but didn't pull away. He wrapped his arms around Rei, holding her tightly.
Misato would have to wait.
Elsewhere in NERV
Asuka walked triumphantly down the hall. She had beaten that blonde bimbo just as she had planned.
True she hadn't kicked Draven's ass like she wanted to but there was a much more important matter to deal with.
"Ah' Asuka said to herself when she saw him
Kaji was leaning against the wall near the soda machines. He was talking with a petite brunette Asuka had seen before in the halls but didn't know her name. The brunette was blushing, Kaji must be turning on his charm for her.
"KAJI" shouted Asuka happily latching onto his arm in her usual fashion
"A-Asuka," said Kaji, "Where did you come from?"
"From my tests, of course," said Asuka, her voice sweet
"Seems you already have a girlfriend Kaji," said the brunette with a laugh
The brunette stepped back a few feet.
Just who does that bitch think she is? thought Asuka
"Asuka, please," said Kaji pulling his arm away.
"Come on Kaji let's go on a date," said Asuka, If everything went perfectly they would both get a little tipsy and go back to Kaji's place then he's all hers.
"Asuka," said Kaji firmly 'You're still a minor."
"But I'm mature" insisted Asuka. "Maybe not as developed as those blonde bimbos but mentally I'm just as mature as you are!"
Kaji studied the redhead. This was getting out of hand. At first, her crush was cute, but the Chainsaw Man Incident proved almost deadly.
"Alright," said Kaji He placed his hands on Asuka's shoulders and knelt down so they were on eye level
"You claim to be mature enough, I guess it's time to test that."
Asuka gave a quiet squeal of delight. "But here Kaji?" she asked, eying the brunette who was still leaning against the wall.
"Here and now," said Kaji
Asuka closed her eyes, expecting to feel Kaji's kiss at any moment. When seconds passed and nothing happened Asuka opened her eyes. Kaji was still looking at her, his face determined and firm
"Kaji...what is?" she began
"Asuka, if you are as mature as you claimed to be then you can understand this," said Kaji firmly.
" You are like a sister to me. I care about you as a little sister, nothing more."
Asuka felt numb like she had been dropped into freezing water. No this wasn't how it was supposed to be.
"But Kaji.." began Asuka tears threatening to pour from her eyes. No, she swore she would never cry again.
"I'm sorry Asuka," said Kaji as he stood up. 'You'll find the right guy someday."
"But I love you!" shouted Asuka
"Do you?" Kaji asked "Or you just fixated on me? "
Asuka had no answer, what the hell was Kaji talking about? She couldn't speak as he walked away. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. She was supposed to convince him that they were perfect for each other. Asuka watched as Kaji offered his arm to the brunette as they left.
Just what the hell was she supposed to do now?