From: Toh Ee Loong NEON GENESIS EVANGELION is the property of GAINAX. ADV Films and AD Vision have the distribution and translation rights in their respective jurisdictions. Used without permission and without profit. SPOILERS WARNING. DISCONTINUITY WARNING. Knowledge of the entire animated series and the three movies plus influence from the manga version went into the writing of this fic. Having seen the above-mentioned might be useful in interpreting this fic. NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: HERZ Part 1: Hishashiburi (Long Time No See) an original fanfic by Toh Ee Loong (EeL) In his plug suit, Ikari Shinji looks up suddenly. His voice is filled with wonder, the sound of a sudden realization. "Boku wa boku!" (1) Asuka's hands are clasped nervously in front of her. She fidgets with the hem of her pretty yellow dress. Her head is bowed. Her shoulders sag. Ever so slightly, she raises her chin, her gaze is filled with pleading and more than a hint of fear. She whispers. "Aishiteru." (2) Rei is naked. But the details are obscured by the blinding white light that surrounds her being. The light grows in intensity as we stare into those red eyes. Eyes that stare back with an unwavering intensity. Her voice is calm, quiet yet defiant. "Anata no ningyou ja nai." (3) Against a black background, an equilateral triangle points downwards. Divided by a line with three eyes on the left and four on the right. It cracks from the centre and the pieces are swept away in the blink of an eye, replaced by a red ankh. There is a roar of many voices, confusing at first. Gradually they coalesce into a garbled voice. After many repetitions, it becomes only just intelligible. "Watashitachi wa kimitachi no ningyoo ja nai." (4) * * * 2027 AD European Union German Sector, Frankfurt Corporate Headquarters TRIEKREIS AktienGessellschaft Seated around a wide circular table are nine men and three women. At its centre is a half spherical depression of 2 metres across. In front of each person is a computer console and a display screen, showing their designations. These provide the only illumination in the room. The eerie play of light and shadow highlights their profiles but obscures the details of their features. Presently, a black monolith appears high above them, in blood red light, it spells: GEIST 01 SOUND ONLY "A welcome to our two new members. I trust your predecessors' files were thorough. Nonetheless, you would probably wish to field some questions that might have arisen in the course of having reviewed the material," intones a hollow voice from the monolith. "Thank you, Sir," replies one of the women. She is designated as HATHOR 3. "As I understand it, my main responsibility is to control information about HERZ and its sister bodies, especially how it is perceived by the public. Given NERV's unpopularity, why have so many of its surviving key personnel been retained in both HERZ and GEHIRN?" "Each specific case has its own merits," says a heavy set man with an American accent designated as SETH 9. "For example, Katsuragi Misato..." persists HATHOR 3. * * * Tokyo-2 United Nations Headquarters Military Staff Committee Fifth Auxiliary Command Bunker "Good evening, Ma'am. Your identification, please," requests the UN Duty Officer even though he, along with the rest of the UN Military Staff, knows who the woman standing before him is. Of course, procedure must be observed. With an amused snort, she hands over her identity card. The young lieutenant smiles upon seeing the unkempt and grumpy photo of the woman staring back at him from the card. It does not help matters either when her date of birth, height and weight have all been deliberately defaced. He wisely decides to suppress his amusement as he returns the card, saluting smartly. As she returns his salute, he cannot help but admire the woman before him. She still turned heads despite her age. The formal black uniform, while exceedingly modest, accentuates her ungodly figure. That figure. And her long purple hair... "Lieutenant, I'm really flattered by your gawking but I do intend to be early for this meeting," says the woman, grinning. "O...Of course, Ma'am! Right away, Ma'am!" stutters the lieutenant. He quickly presses his pass against a sensor on the right-hand wall while keying in a numeric sequence on a key pad next to it. Immediately, the blast doors behind him begin to open. Two armed soldiers are stand ready behind them. "Ma'am, the sergeant will escort you to the final checkpoint." "Thank you, Lieutanant," says Misato as she strides deeper into the complex. * * * "Major-General Katsuragi has been an excellent choice for HERZ's commander. Her past association with Ikari Gendou as his Operations Director does not, in any way, compromise her integrity. Investigations revealed that she had been kept in the dark about most of Gendou's and SEELE's designs," counters PTAH, a well built male figure. "The record shows that her priorities are the integrity of her work and the welfare of the Children, in particular, the Third Child. It is also convenient that she lacks the technical expertise required to use Evangelion to play God," adds THOTH 2, a willowly old man who is hunched in his seat over his console. "That would explain why the operational and research aspects of NERV were separated as HERZ and the reconstituted GEHIRN," offers SOBEK 5, the other newcomer. He speaks with a distinct British accent. "Why then is there still a link?" SOBEK 5 continues. "Prof Akagi and Dr Ibuki presented a strong case that further meaningful research into the Eva project required an on site presence at all times. As such, the latter was posted to HERZ instead of being transferred to GEHIRN like the rest of them," intones THOTH 2. "But... the two live together! Isn't that a bit much!?" protests SOBEK 5. * * * Tokyo-3 GEHIRN MIMIR Institute Branch Facility Carpark "How was your day, Ritsuko-senpai?" asks Ibuki Maya as she helps her mentor into the front passenger seat. "The usual... progress is satisfactory," sighs the platinum haired scientist, folding her glasses and inserting them into her front breast pocket. Akagi Ritsuko glances backwards to see Maya folding the wheelchair and putting it into the boot compartment. "That's done. Let's go home," chirps Maya, tossing her ponytail across her right shoulder. She gets into the driver's seat and starts the car. * * * "SOBEK, you might do well to remember that much of the tragedy of the Eva project is in the broken lives of its people. The change of name from NERV to HERZ also reflects a difference in the manner in which our work is done," replies a woman with a long thick braid. She is designated as NEPHTHYS 3. Her tone is sad and somewhat weary. "Indeed. Giving people something to treasure, something to cling to is our best guarantee against further grand schemes like the Instrumentality Project. Our plans may be grandoise but they are still paltry in comparison. In any case, any actions that deviate from our objectives will not escape our notice," adds a thin, bespectaled man designated as ANUBIS 6. "On the topic of personal relationships, don't you think that there might be a conflict of interest in Major Ikari's appointment as HERZ's Operations Director?" asks HATHOR 3. * * * Tokyo-3 Geo Front HERZ Headquarters Central Dogma "And if there is no other business, then the briefing is concluded. We'll reconvene when the Commander and Deputy Commander return from their respective meetings," says Hyuuga Makato, now not only older and wiser but also promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and heading the HERZ Intelligence outfit. There is an immediate response of files being shut, and of papers being rearranged as the ten or so senior HERZ personnel begin to pack up and call it a day. "Oh Asuka-san, I would like to offer my congratulations on your promotion," says Hyuuga. "Yeah, congratulations!" says Logistics Director Aoba Shigeru as others in the room begin to join in. Asuka who had been rubbing her left elbow, self-consciously stops that motion and shakes her colleagues' offered hands. Despite the black eyepatch over her left eye, Asuka has undeniably grown into a most beautiful young woman. Her figure easily giving Misato a run for her money. "Thank you," she says warmly. After a few more pleasantries, she excuses herself and departs. As Major Ikari Asuka Langley departs from the room, Aida Kensuke whispers to his mentor, "Shinji's one hell of a lucky guy, isn't he?" "Yes, he is," replies Hyuuga. "But they're both very fortunate to have been able to reach out to each other." * * * "You are concerned as to whether Major Ikari can be depended upon to make the right operational decisions when Ikari Shinji is in the line of fire," ponders THOTH 2. "That is correct," replies HATHOR 3. "Asuka has shown dedication and professionalism in her current work, comparable to her attitude towards piloting. She is aware of the risks Ikari Shinji is exposed to but is also keenly aware that unbiased and unhesitant decisions on her part are probably in his best interests as well. Katsuragi has taught her well," states PTAH flatly. "Also, when the two announced their intention to wed four years ago, all parties here found no grounds to object," adds NEPHTHYS 3. "Speaking of Ikaris, is it wise to retain Gendou in GEHIRN? And working so close to YGGDRASIL? For that matter, Fuyutsuki as well?" asks SOBEK 5. "Ikari Gendou possesses tremendous knowledge about the Eva project and of SEELE. Even if he did not contribute to GEHIRN's work, this arrangement makes it simpler to supervise him. For that matter, Fuyutsuki has been most cooperative. I believe his intentions have always been good, if not honourable," counters ANUBIS 6. "Also, you need not worry overly about any influence he might bring to bear on Prof Akagi or the younger Ikari. Both have, in their own fashion, made their peace with him," says NEPHTHYS 3. "Point taken," acknowledges HATHOR 3. "I would also like to point out that there have been no security arrangements made for the First Child. Isn't that risky?" ISIS 2 takes up the question, replying,"The First Child is not assigned any protection. Firstly, the MAGI and even YGGDRASIL are unable to trace her movements if she so desires. Secondly, even an Eva unit would be hard pressed to match the strength of the AT Field she seems capable of generating." "You both have been very thorough. Is there anything else at this point in time?" asks SETH 9. "Well, there is one more thing..." ventures HATHOR 3. "Yes...?" "What do the numbers that follow our designated code names mean?" At that a thick silence blankets the room. Finally, it is broken by the hollow voice coming from above. "It indicates how many others have preceded you in your post. They have at times succumbed to natural causes, and at other times, to the designs of what remains of SEELE." With that the monolith vanishes. There is a brief electric hum as the lights are being to turned on. * * * End of Part 1. Metaphorical Translation (1) I am I. (2) I love you. (3) I am not your doll. (4) We are not your playthings. Comments and criticism are most welcome! Mail me at: toheel@singnet.com.sg Previous works archived at http://sunflower.singnet.com.sg/~toheel/Eva01.htm Production notes Begun 16 Aug 98 First draft 18 Aug 98. Pre-readers 21 Aug 98. FFML draft 24 Aug 98. RAAC first posting 28 Aug 98. ---- From: Toh Ee Loong NEON GENESIS EVANGELION is the property of GAINAX. ADV Films and AD Vision have the distribution and translation rights in their respective jurisdictions. Used without permission and without profit. SPOILERS WARNING. DISCONTINUITY/DIVERGENCE WARNING. MOVIE/MANGA INFLUENCES. COMPLETE SERIES KNOWLEDGE ASSUMED. NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: HERZ Part 2: Omoide (Memories)/Storm Brewing 2027 AD Tokyo-3 Geo Front HERZ Accomodation Block 2A "I'm home!" called out Asuka as she entered the apartment. "Mama!" Akiko squealed with obvious delight as the toddler ambled forward so that her mother could carry her. "Were you a good girl today?" asked Asuka as she ruffled her daughter's soft chestnut hair. Akiko nodded vehemently. She gave her best kawaii look, blinking her big blue eyes for added effect. Asuka reflected on how Shinji's genes seemed to have overwhelmed hers. Except for Akiko's eye and hair colour which took after Asuka's German ancestry, her daughter's features were completely Japanese. There were times when she looked at her daughter and saw a very young Ayanami Rei with normal colour and plenty of emotion. She frowned slightly at the memory of her own behaviour when she first realized the resemblance and how embarrassed she had been when Ritsuko quietly explained Rei's origins to her. A surviving digital image of Dr Ikari Yui served to reinforce Dr Akagi's point. A printed reproduction of that image now had a proud place next to the other family pictures. "Welcome back, Asuka-chan," Shinji emerged from the kitchen, straightening his apron. Speaking of resemblences, Shinji really took after Gendou. However his manner and voice was as gentle as could be, and that made all the difference in the world. "The water should be getting hot just about now and dinner is almost ready." "Thanks... you're such a neat freak..." teased Asuka. She was grateful that he had decided against growing that beard. * * * Things normally looked better after a hot bath and a good meal. Not this time though. It was probably because of the impending thunder storm. Asuka disliked wet weather. Some of her old injuries hurt just before and during downpours. Especially the crook of her left arm and her right knee. As she stood in her underwear before the full length bedroom mirror, she found herself massaging that part of her arm. Of all the wounds inflicted by the Lance replicas, this was probably the most severe. It was a miracle that the reattachment operation for her left forearm had gone so well. No, it was a miracle she was even alive and now a wife, mother and warrior. Still, the wound still throbbed with a dull but persistent ache when the weather turned wet, even after twelve years. Changing into her night clothes, she pondered over each and every battle scar that criss crossed her athletic figure. They were many and of those, many were deep and livid. Most had been inflicted on that fateful day a dozen years ago. A few, the bullet scars, were much more recent. Another reminder called to her as she removed the patch covering her left eye. It was glazed, grey and lifeless. The doctors were of no help and she, unlike Touji, had refused to use bio-mechanical replacements. She remembered the day when the nine Eva-05 series came to the Geo Front. She had once prided herself for being beautiful and for being one helluva Eva pilot. Now, she was horribly disfigured and her Unit 02 long gone, an unsalvageable heap of metal and flesh. She shuddered at the memory of her struggle, of those nine spears descending her. Her entry plug smashed, her body almost torn apart, her futile screams, the pain... Asuka hung her head and took a deep breath. But the memories had begun to flood back. A hot tear ran down her cheek from her good eye. She felt ugly and her wounds hurt. She had failed. And she had lost. She had lost her mother again. Curled up in the entry plug as depth charges exploded all around Unit 02, she realized how desperately she wanted to live and to survive. Her heart, closed for so long, finally poured forth her feelings into the heart of Evangelion. And in return, she had awakened to how her mother had always been there for her - guiding her, protecting her, loving her. She had awakened to the human heart and primal power of Evangelion, and the secret of the Absolute Terror Field. In her fear of pain, she had closed her heart and thus the wall she raised to protect her innermost self had also been her prison. "I miss you, Mother..." As she struggled to control another long breath, Asuka felt a strong pair of arms encircle her from behind. Then he began to nuzzle her neck and the back of her ear. "Oh Shinji..." Asuka said as she started to turn around. Resting her head against his shoulder, she took another ragged breadth. Letting it go, she melted into the embrace and basked in all the attention he was giving to her. After a few long moments, their bodies pulled apart. Still, their hands were joined. "Let's get some sleep," said Asuka quietly. "Just sleep?" asked Shinji sheepishly. He gave his best lost-puppy-dog look but his tentative grip on her delicate hands told Asuka that her husband would defer to her at this point. She bowed her head slightly, allowing some of her long chestnut hair to partially obscure her face. Her eyes averted to the floor, she nodded coyly as she began to pull him towards her. Asuka leaned into the kiss. Her pain was real but it did not haunt her. Nor did it gnaw at her. Nor did it hollow her out. She had lost much and suffered terribly, but from the ashes, she had risen anew. She had also gained things she had not dared to hope for in the past, a past which seemed like a lifetime ago. She had her work, her husband and her daughter. And her life. * * * Everything seemed like it had happened yesterday. In the depths of Terminal Dogma, she had been gazing up at the huge white figure of Lilith from the base of the cross when the entrance, known as Heaven's Door, began to open. She turned around and levelled her gun at him. "It's all over," she said as she pushed a button on her remote control. Nothing happened. CASPAR had refused the auto destruct signal. She had been betrayed by a shadow of her own mother. The woman that was her mother. "I really did love you," he said as he pointed his own gun at her. "Liar." A shot ran out. The bullet tore through her flesh and bone. The force of the impact hurling her from the platform. As she plummeted towards the bottom, the shock of betrayal was replaced by the shock of realization. The realization that Gendou had the courage to shoot her. Her body struck one of the metal scaffold's bars as she fell and she felt something snap inside. The numbness was immediate. Her limp figure glanced off the structure like a rag doll. Falling. Falling. And then finally hitting the LCL. She remembered that it was thick, viscous and slightly warm. "This must be what the pilots feel like, surrounded by this fluid..." she mused as she descended into darkness. "Ritsuko-senpai? ...Senpai?" asked a voice. Prof Akagi Ritsuko stirred in her wheelchair and blinked several times. She looked up to see Maya's face. "Are you alright?" "Oh, just an old woman day-dreaming." "I'm sorry, I can't help worrying about you sometimes," said Maya as she cradled a mug of tea in both her hands, presenting it to her mentor. Ritsuko cupped her hands around Maya's. "Maya..." "Senpai?" Maya was blushing slightly. "Thank you for your... concern. And for taking care of me like this." "It's alright. Really." "Maya... I... I've always known..." whispered Ritsuko as she removed her hands and took the mug. "Let's go in. There's a storm brewing," said Ritsuko. Maya smiled softly as she took the handle bars at the rear of the wheelchair and helped Ritsuko from the apartment balcony into the living room. * * * Tokyo-3 Geo Front HERZ Headquarters Commander's Office General Katsuragi's office was usually well- lit when she was in. At this time, it called Gendou's preferences strongly to mind. "So...I take it there has still been no news?" "Yes, I appreciate your continued best efforts." "Yes... yes. I understand." "Thank you. Let me know if you find anything." In the darkened room, Misato hung up the phone. She buried her head in her hands as she leaned her elbows heavily on the desk. * * * Over the Black Forest German Sector European Union Over the darkened skies of southern Germany, the willowly old man adjusted his spectacles in mild annoyance as the helicopter pitched back and forth. The intermitent thunder was deftly punctuated by the roar of an explosion. Close, very close indeed. The fireball to the right meant that they had managed to get the other escort helicopter as well. He clutched the briefcase's carrying handle. Scowling as the warplanes begun to make another pass, firing their guns at his craft, he noted that his pilots were doing their best to evade the hail of ammunition. But it was not enough. There was the sound of metal tearing into metal. And then there was nothing but fire. End of Part 2 Comments and criticism are most welcome! Mail me at: toheel@singnet.com.sg Previous works archived at http://sunflower.singnet.com.sg/~toheel/ Production notes Begun 24 Aug 98. First draft 3 Sep 98 Pre-readers 5 Sep 98 FFML draft 6 Sep 98 RAAC first posting 9 Sep 98