Evangelion Fan Fiction

Life After

By Kraven Ergeist

Chapter One

It wasn't the enormous manse that impressed her. She had seen many like it, particularly in Munich. It had ornate balconies; courtyards bearing cherubic studded fountains, and expanded outwards in intricate wings and buttresses.

It wasn't the enormous expanse of property surrounding the mansion either. The surrounding countryside was wide and peaceful, and was littered with paths weaving into wooded areas, open fields, and shining lakes.

It wasn't even the locale that impressed her, thought it was surprising.

Why here? Asuka thought. Why here? He knows that I live here.

Asuka had been alone since it happened. NERV and Eva had taken away everything she had in life, which left her with just that when she returned home to Germany after it had all come down. She had always wondered what had happened to her fellow pilots, though she had never gone out of her way to seek them out.

Fate, however, has a way of catching up to you.

The plaque mounted on the outside of the stonewall surrounding the manse was labeled, quite plainly:

IKARI

Asuka drew in her breath. This was what impressed her.

xxxxx

"Good afternoon," said the young lady who answered the door. "Are you expected?"

Asuka glanced up at the expansive abode and wondered whether this was the Ikari she was thinking of.

"No…but I'm looking for a…Shinji Ikari?"

The woman nodded, politely. "Yes, he lives here, but I'm afraid Master Ikari is not in at the moment. Can I tell him who's calling?"

"An old friend," the redhead said, flatly. "Asuka Soryu."

"Oh, miss Soryu!" the woman exclaimed. "Master Ikari speaks very highly of you."

Asuka smiled. "Really?"

The lady nodded. "Yes, indeed. He said that you were completely unrivalled in talent, strength and beauty."

Asuka beamed. "Well, I'll be darned…ol' Shinji still remembers me."

"Of course," the housekeeper smiled. "Come in, come in…the master should be home shortly."

Asuka smiled and followed, obliged, and found herself awestruck by that manse's interior, which almost rivaled the exterior.

"Would you like some tea?" the lady offered, politely.

Asuka pried her eyes from the surrounding architecture. "Oh, yes, please."

The lady nodded and gestured to a couch in a sitting room off to the left. "Just a moment, please."

Asuka sat down, as the housekeeper asked one of the maids to bring in some tea, and picked up the telephone.

"Hello, is Master Ikari available? He's not? Well, could you inform him that he has a visitor back here at the manse? Yes, thank you. Anyway, how are you faring Miss Ayanami?"

Asuka set down the cup of tea she was drinking with a start.

"Ayanami…?" she whispered.

"Mm-hm…that's good…very well, then. Please give Master Ikari my message. Thank you. Bye."

Asuka glanced around the ornate furnishings, pretending not to care about what she had just heard. "So…how long have you been working for Shinji, miss…?"

"Aoba," she said, kindly. "Naomi Aoba."

"Aoba?" Asuka repeated. "That name…"

"Oh, yes, you worked at NERV, didn't you? My older brother worked there also. At least, until it was shut down."

Asuka rubbed her temples, trying to pace the name. "Aoba…Aoba…Shigeru! The NERV tech! The one who played guitar! He's your brother?"

Naomi nodded. "Yes he is. He has told me much about NERV, as well as the people who worked there. He was the one who first introduced me to Master Ikari."

Asuka nodded, taking another sip of her tea. "It's not like Shinji to indulge in a house like this."

Naomi nodded. "I've watched him change over the years. He's become a very successful scholar. He's working on a PhD in musical psychology. Oh, that reminds me, he's performing at the Guggenheim music hall this evening. I'm sure he'd be delighted if you attended."

Asuka smiled. "I'll be there."

There was a slight noise as the front door opened and closed, and Asuka rose from her seat in time to see him.

"Hello, Asuka," Shinji said.

Asuka nodded. "Shinji."

"Almost ten years now," Shinji sighed, stepped past her and seating himself comfortably next to her. Naomi was already preparing his cup of tea.

"Thanks, Naomi," Shinji said.

Naomi smiled, leaving with a blush.

Asuka scowled. "So…not that it's any of my business…but, well…I can…see quite a lot has changed since we last saw each other."

Shinji nodded. "You mean this place? Turns out my father had left me quite an allotment, including the deed to this manse. I didn't want to take it at first, but the German government said that if I didn't, they'd tear the place down and use it for post-impact housing. A worthy cause, but…I just didn't want to see this place get destroyed."

Asuka nodded. "I see. What about the cute housekeeper? I saw that smile she gave you."

Shinji sighed, shaking his head. "Naomi? She's been working here for years, she knows I'm not going to give into her. It's really not my style to hire help around the house, but it was expected with my status, and…well, it would be hard to keep this place together all by myself. To be fair, I pay my hired help three times the normal amount for the type of work they do."

Asuka blinked. "Your status?"

Shinji sighed. "You really haven't been keeping track of me, haven't you? I'm the Guggenheim philharmonic symphony's finest cellist, and Germany's wealthiest, most desirable bachelor. I don't particularly care for these labels; it's all false pretense. But nevertheless, it's what I am to society. I just happened to know Naomi when I first started living here. She had just lost her job, and had to stay with her brother. So, I offered her a job here, as well as room and board. That was well before I achieved this awkward title, so she's the only one I can trust to work here for my sake, and not for the money's sake."

Asuka found herself once again in awe. "Wow…you've really come a long way."

She sat back down, keeping a fair distance from him.

"So…how's Misato been?" Shinji asked.

"I was going to ask you that," Asuka shrugged, leaning her head back and staring at the crystal chandelier hanging on the ceiling. "I haven't seen her since it happened. I lost touch with just about everyone. I suppose I could have looked harder, but…there just didn't seem to be a point."

Shinji nodded. "Well…how have you been doing, then?"

Asuka shrugged. "Just going through the motions. I landed a decent position as assistant vice president at VERSTAND."

Shinji nodded. "Isn't that the company that took control of the Eva's after NERV liquidated?"

Asuka nodded. "Yeah, but it's basically the same organization. Dr. Ibuki and Hyuga-san work there also."

Shinji nodded. "Doesn't it feel…wrong…to still be working for them?"

Asuka shook her head. "Shinji…your father's dead. He's not coming back to haunt you."

Shinji shook his head. "That's not what I meant. Think about it: the first organization is called GEHIRN, German for 'Brain.' Then NERV, German for 'Nerve.' And now it's VERSTAND. Correct me if I'm wrong, my German isn't perfect, but doesn't that mean 'Mind?'"

Asuka nodded. "So? What's your point?"

Shinji shook his head. "That there's something behind all of this. Something that's been pulling the strings of all three companies for some ulterior motive. The UN, and both the Japanese and the German government have been satisfied that whoever was behind all of it was brought to justice, but in reality, they're just being fooled."

Asuka shook her head. "I'm not getting into this. I've put up with enough shit in my life already. We both have."

Shinji nodded. "You're right. Let's change the subject."

Asuka nodded back, knowing exactly what she wanted to know next. "Good. So, what were you doing with Ayanami? Sounded important judging from Naomi's tone of voice."

Shinji sighed. "It's not what you're thinking, Asuka. Rei's been in therapy ever since when we all split up."

Asuka blinked. "Still? How long until they let her out?"

Shinji shook his head. "It's…hard for them to say. Whatever it is that my father was doing with her, it had a lasting effect. But that's not what today was about. Do you know what today is?"

Asuka glanced at her watch and shook her head

Shinji nodded. "The day my mother died."

Asuka drew in her breath. "…Oh…I didn't know."

Shinji nodded. "It's ok. Anyway…Rei wanted to accompany me to the memorial…since…well, we know how she's involved."

Asuka nodded. "I still have trouble believing it. And to think I thought you two would have made a swell item. But, hey, your kids would have looked horrible anyway."

Shinji frowned. "Don't joke about it, Asuka. She can't bear children."

Asuka swore. "Jeez, what else have they done to her?"

Shinji shook his head. "I don't know all the details, and she…doesn't like to talk about it."

Asuka nodded. "I think it's time for another change in subject. So…Naomi tells me you're performing at the Guggenheim tonight?"

Shinji nodded. "I am."

Asuka rose and feigned a courtesy. "Do I get the honor of watching you perform?"

Shinji chuckled. "I didn't think you'd appreciate my skills that much, Asuka." He winked. "Or, are you just after the money, like every other girl who's flaunted themselves towards me?"

Asuka looked flabbergasted. "Oh, you think I'm flaunting myself, Shinji? You think I'm just going to drop down before and beg to be taken in?"

Shinji laughed out loud. "Oh, come on, Asuka. I've known you long enough to know that you'd sooner die."

Asuka grimaced. "Touché."

Shinji smiled. "Tonight, then? There's a guest bedroom in the west wing, and you're welcome to stay the night."

Asuka pursed her lips. "Now who's flaunting themselves?"

Shinji sighed. "No funny business. Just a free room and board. Five star quality. Oh, and I'll have Naomi provide room service at no extra charge."

Asuka pretended to think about the idea, though the conclusion was already in her head. "Free room service, eh?"

"And there'll even be a little chocolate mint on your pillow."

Asuka smiled, clapping Shinji on the back, causing him to start with a laugh. "Well, in that case, Shinji, I'm sold."

xxxxx

Asuka had to admit – Shinji was good. He was good when she knew him when they were kids…but this was on a whole new level.

Shinji was not one of the cellist's in the orchestra…he was the conductor…and the composer!

Asuka watched in fascination as the boy she ridiculed and thought so little of in the past performed an awe-striking masterpiece to perfection. And when it was done, the audience roared and cheered and screamed and encored for more.

Shinji simply stood where he was, his eyes closed, bowing time after time, presenting the orchestra as best as he could.

Asuka couldn't help but smile as she joined in the applause. "He never could take a compliment…but here, he doesn't have to. He just has to stand there and bow after doing a good job. That's all that expected of him. That, he can do. You did well, Shinji."

Asuka had some difficulty finding Shinji after the theatre cleared out. But finally, she found him.

His back was to her, and from the looks of things, he escorting someone to a cab. Someone…that she recognized.

She approached, warily, trying not to be seen. The woman he escorted had short, ear length hair, wore a simple wool shawl, and had pale, red eyes.

Asuka was taken aback. It was Rei! She hadn't recognized her before, but now there could be no doubt. It was her! And despite her garb, she did not look all too well.

She was frail, delicate, and fragile in appearance. She looked as though she might collapse at any moment. She was still pale, uncomfortably so, and though she was clearly trying to hide it, she shook as she stepped.

Asuka could catch snippets of their conversation.

"Thanks for coming, Rei," Shinji said, placing her coat on her shoulders.

Rei said something Asuka couldn't hear.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, to see you back?"

Rei said something; again, that Asuka didn't catch.

"Well…alright. Take good care of yourself, Rei, you hear me?"

Rei's lips moved again.

"I will. Thank you again. Good night."

Rei slowly entered the cab, and Shinji watched it disappear into the night.

"That was…Ayanami?" Asuka said, not really as a question.

Shinji started, slightly, at her appearance, but recomposed himself. "Yeah…"

Asuka smiled. "It's good that she gets out of the psych ward…a life spent living there can't be healthy."

Shinji's voice caught in his throat, and he didn't respond. He only turned away, a look of pain in his eyes.

"W…what's wrong?" Asuka prodded.

Shinji turned back to her, and she saw tears in his eyes. "She…she doesn't have much time left, Asuka…"

Asuka drew in her breath. "What? You mean, she's going to…"

Shinji nodded, his head, turning away.

"I just found out from the doctors today…she still has no idea. All these years of studying…I haven't just been studying the arts, I've been studying medicine as well. Looking…looking for a cure. All this time…I've been less than a five-minute's drive from where they kept her. And I still couldn't do anything for her!"

Asuka held back a pained look. Rei Ayanami…dying? Something about that just didn't click in her mind. Rei was always the resilient one. The one who would stand even when the rest of them were helpless. She always found a way to push on. How could she have lost now?

Asuka approached the man standing before and placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," she said, whole-heartedly.

Shinji reached up and placed his hand on hers.

They stayed that way for a while. Shinji just let it all out of him. And the whole time, Asuka reflected on her memories of their days in the past. Of Shinji, and of Rei. How had she treated Shinji? How had she treated Rei? Was this…was this somehow her fault?

She pushed those thoughts from her head. No…how could she have caused this? The worst she ever did was banter them and push them away. Nothing she had done could have had any lasting effects.

Shinji let go of Asuka's hand.

"Thank you," he muttered, wiping his eyes.

Asuka was about to say something, when someone came running to them.

It was Naomi.

"It's not safe here, sir," she said, hurriedly.

Shinji was instantly awake and alert. "What's wrong, Naomi?"

Naomi ran up to him and threw a cloak over him, covering his face. "No time to explain. We must go, now! You too Mrs. Soryu!" she tossed the redhead a cloak. "They'll recognize you too. Keep your face hidden."

"What?" Asuka demanded. "Who will?"

Naomi just urged Shinji on, and Asuka had to race to keep up, half the time demanding to know who they were running from, and the other half of the time, struggling to get the hood to fit right over her head.

When they finally reached a secluded area, they stopped for a break. They were at the edge of the city, just before they hit the suburbs that led to Shinji's manse.

"Well," Asuka said indignantly. "Now that you've lead us through half of Munich, are you going to tell us what we were running from?"

Naomi was tending Shinji, who was sitting down, catching his breath. With all his scholarly studies in the past, he had very little time for exercise, and was not in the best physical shape.

Looking up form her duties, Naomi looked at Asuka. "Should I tell her, Master Ikari?"

Asuka's eyes narrowed. "Tell me what?"

Shinji took a deep breath, and looked up. "Yes, Naomi. She is a trusted friend. There's no reason to keep it from her."

Naomi nodded, and stood up. "I am afraid that, since arriving in Munich, Master Ikari has been…hunted."

Asuka stared hard. "Hunted?"

Naomi nodded. "By whom, we are not exactly sure. But Master Ikari is convinced that they have something to do with his prior involvement with NERV and Project-E."

Asuka nodded. "That would make sense. We had to go through quite a lot of legal proceedings after everything that's happened."

Naomi nodded. "Except the group that is performing these attacks are not working with the law. And since we have informed the police time and time again of these occurrences, they have yet been able to find anything pertaining to them. So, we know that either this organization has enough mettle to hide not only from the local police forces, but the UN security division as well. Or…"

"…Or, whoever it is, is working above the law, subsidized by the government to find us," Asuka finished.

Naomi nodded. "Master Ikari is correct. Your have intellect beyond your years.

Shinji gave the faintest hint of a laugh.

"So, what do we do now?" Asuka prodded, uncomfortable with staying in one place for too long.

"I've already called for our limousine to pick us up here," Naomi said. "But for now-"

"Freeze!"

The three of them jerked their heads to see where the voice had come from. Their eyes showed them five dark silhouettes, with the glowing white in their eyes from night-vision masks.

Naomi gave the slightest glance towards Shinji. "Master…?"

Shinji nodded. "I'll be fine. Do your thing, Naomi. But please…don't get yourself killed."

Naomi nodded. "I will try, master."

Before Asuka could even ask what was going on, Naomi had removed her cloak, revealing something that Asuka could only say was a plug suit. Only, this plug suit looked like it was armored, built for combat.

"What the-"

Before she could finished the sentence, Naomi disappeared. She reappeared behind the nearest of the attackers, moving within the blink of an eye. Before Asuka knew it, she had moved again, and the first troop had fallen.

They were firing now, rapid bullet fire searching blindly for a target that disappeared before their eyes. Naomi moved like a shadow, disappearing and reappearing like a ghost, delivering precise, deadly blows, knocking each of the soldier down.

She had dealt with the last one, before she finally held still long enough to be perceived.

Asuka was spellbound. "Wh…wh…what the hell was THAT?"

Naomi turned around and looked at her, a serious look on her face. "Like I said, the police could do nothing. We've had to rely on our own means for assistance. So, Shinji pulled a few strings, and got VERSTAND to lend me one of their prototype combat suits. It gives me unprecedented advantages over conventional weaponry, and allows me to move as fast as your Eva's, without the need for external power. You see…I am not merely Shinji's housekeeper…I'm his bodyguard as well."

Shinji got to his feet, brushing himself off. "You did well, Naomi. I trust you are not hurt?"

Naomi nodded. Smiling, Asuka noticed. She only seemed to smile when she talked to Shinji. "Yes sir, I'm perfectly fine."

Shinji breathed in. "That's good to hear. Asuka, I trust you are well too?"

Asuka recomposed herself. "Oh, I'm hard to beat."

Shinji feigned a laugh. "Well, that's the Asuka that I know talking."

Naomi put her cloak back over her shoulders. "I've called the police. They'll come and investigate the scene."

Shinji shook his head. "It'll still be the same. Nothing traceable. No records. Nothing."

Naomi sighed. "At least, you are not hurt, master."

Shinji nodded. "Thank you, Naomi."

That's when the limousine finally arrived.

xxxxx

The three of them returned to the manse. Only after entering the second time did Asuka notice the heavy security. She had not picked up more than what was expected from her initial visit. It had been so well disguised into the scenery, that she had over looked it.

Once they were safely indoors, Naomi offered to make tea in order to calm their nerves.

"Thank you," Shinji said, after taking his cup. Catching the look in Asuka's eye, Shinji took a cue. "That will be all for tonight, Naomi. Why don't you get ready for bed?"

Naomi nodded, thanking the master before retiring.

"Well…she's certainly got more to her name than meets the eye," Asuka said, sardonically.

"Well, you know me…" Shinji said. "I always was crazy over the strong, beautiful ones."

Asuka raised an eyebrow, but Shinji just took a sip of his tea. Something told her that he did not need to be looking to picture her reaction.

"She seems…nice," Asuka muttered. "So tell me…what do you think of her?"

Shinji blinked. That had been unexpected. "She's dedicated to her work. She's got quite a lot of talent for someone in her…particular field. And she's one of the few people I can trust."

Shinji's eyes had been wandering for every line save t hat last one. As soon as he'd mentioned trust, he'd locked eyes with Asuka.

It made Asuka smiled. It told her that, if it were up to Asuka to save Shinji's life, he wouldn't be worried in the least.

"So…Germany's most eligible bachelor, huh? That's quite a title."

Shinji nodded. "Yep. I've had a lot of proposals. From girls as young as we were back then, to old enough to be my grandmother."

Asuka chuckled. "And still you resisted?"

Shinji winked. "I've been desensitized by the best."

Asuka gave a fake sneer. "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

Shinji laughed. "You know perfectly well what I'm implying Asuka!"

"Well, then, it's no wonder Naomi fancies you so much."

Shinji shook his head. "Naomi respects me, and cares for me like an older sister, but I don't think she feels that way for me."

Asuka rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. Just like the way wonder girl wasn't head over heels for you."

Shinji frowned, looking away.

"Oh…" Asuka said, realizing what she'd said. "I'm sorry, I…I didn't mean to bring that up."

Shinji shook his head. "It's okay, Asuka. Not talking about it won't make it go away."

Asuka just nodded.

"I think it's time we go to bed. I'll be up the stairs and to the right. Naomi will take you to your room, and show you where everything is."

Asuka bowed, politely. "Thank you, Shinji."

Shinji nodded back. "You're welcome."

Asuka took a step towards the stairs, before stopping. Turning, she stepped over to Shinji, and threw her arms around him, hugging him closely.

"I'm…I'm glad I got to see you again, Shinji."

Shinji nodded, happier than he'd been in a long time. "I am too Asuka."

"Good night."

"Good night."

xxxxx

As Naomi helped Asuka get settled in, Asuka took in the accommodations, remarking in vivid fascination at the sheer quality of the architecture and the interior design. The work of experts, there was no doubt.

Naomi placed some towels by the bathroom door. "Everything you need should be here. If you need anything I'll be just down the hall. Will there be anything else, Mrs. Soryu?"

Asuka threw a glance around the room. "No, I think I'm fine. Thank you."

Naomi bowed her head, and turned to go.

"Naomi?"

She turned, halfway out the door already. "Yes? Was their something else?"

Asuka hesitated before asking. "Um…I'd like to ask you something?"

Naomi nodded. "Is this about earlier?"

Asuka shook her head. "No. Well, I'm curious about that too, but…what I was going to ask was…what are your feelings towards Shinji?"

Naomi blushed, solidly. "M-Master Ikari? Um…he's…a very respectable person. He's taught me a great deal about life, and the stories he tells me of his past endeavors with NERV and the Angels are fascinating."

Asuka shook her head. "You didn't answer my question, Mrs. Aoba. What are your feelings towards Shinji?"

Naomi blushed even more. "I…I'm sorry, Mrs. Soryu, but…I've must be going. Good night!"

Naomi ran off, her face beet red. Asuka just sighed, smiling.

"That's what I thought."

Asuka sighed, wandering over to her bed. After changing, she was about climb into bed, when she noticed something.

Asuka smiled. "He did leave a little chocolate mint on the pillow…"

xxxxx

As the house lay itself to rest, its inhabitants finding sanctuary in their dreams, a hidden enemy watched them from a distance.

"The attack has failed, sir," came an autonomous voice.

"Of course," the watcher said. "She was with him."

"She we organize the next strike?" the voice asked.

"Do it. But do not launch the attack until I give the order. I'd like to observe his actions a little longer."

"Yes sir."

The voice disappeared, and the dark watcher continue to observe, as the night continued into darkness.

xxxxx

A/N: Okay, this is a fic that came to me unexpectedly. Usually, my fics focus around Shinji, or at least, around the male character, but this one, my point of view has shifted to Asuka for some reason. I'm not sure what's going to happen to Shinji at this point, but I do know that he's in for a world of tragedy. Just be warned, there will be some tear-jerkers later on (Or so I delude myself)

Read and Review.

I'm out.