Secrets should never be forgotten…

Chapter 16

Corruption and Contamination

One second later

"Wh-wh-what are you doing!" Shinji was using his hands very efficiently, sending his body back several metres, leaving a trail in the grass.

Mamimi wasn't startled in the least and took it in her stride, getting up slowly and walking over to him. "Nothing, I just want to get to know you better…" She sat next to him and leaned her head in close to look into his eyes deeply.

Shinji's heart was ready to leap out of his chest. I don't think any girl has ever wanted to know me… Let alone get that close to me… He stared over her shoulder to see the rest of group looking back at him with a variety of emotions. His male friends were wildly jealous, Hikari was blushing at the forwardness of the girl, Rei was painfully neutral, though her eyebrow did quirk upwards a fraction. Asuka was still red in the face, a combination of rage at the girl and Shinji for not pushing her off. Once she saw him make contact with her, she closed her eyes and turned away.

What the… Are those tears? He couldn't see any more, as Asuka's face was hidden by her red hair. He faced the strange girl. "Wh-who are you? How do you know my name?"

"My name is Mamimi." She smiled. "As for your name, I just know it, that's all…"

"R-right…" Shinji dug his feet into the earth and stood up. "Th-thanks, but I-I'd rather alone for now…"

"Oh, okay then…" Mamimi stood up too, making the Evangelion pilot pale. "I'll meet you after school then.

As she walked out of the gates, Shinji could only stand there, his jaw wide open and eyes glazed over. Taking several minutes to compose himself, he walked as if in a trance, back to his friends under the tree, flumping on the soft vegetation.

"Good on you Shinji!" Touji slapped him heartily on the back. "You're finally putting the moves on girls! We're proud of ya'."

"Suzuhara! Stop teasing him!" Hikari interjected, seeing an odd look on Asuka's face.

Kensuke nudged Shinji so much that he fell on his side, his head landing in Rei's lap. Panicking, he scrambled to get up and was glad to see that she hadn't reacted. "S-sorry about that Ayanami."

She said nothing, and merely continued eating the bento he gave her. Shinji turned, irritated, to his friends. "Look, I don't who she was, okay? She just randomly walks up to me and almost sits in my lap. What was I supposed to do?"

"Well…" Touji put a finger to his chin, looking in deep thought. "I know what I would do."

"Thanks… Last thing I want is a slap…" Shinji grinned inside at seeing him turn red and huffy.

Asuka turned to face Shinji, thankful that her emotional barriers had returned for the moment, leaving her features indiscernible. He looked at her, worried for her, and for himself. I thought she would slap me…

He scratched his head. "I wonder how she knew my name though…? I never saw her before." He looked around. "She wants to see me after school… Do you think I –"

"Lucky you Shinji, you've got a date!" Asuka cracked a superior smile, though it was twitching at the edges. "It's about time you got a girlfriend, I've had loads of boyfriends back in Germany."

She heard Touji mutter something about 'low quality goods' and 'being drugged to agree'. Screeching in rage, she picked up her bento and threw it over the tanned boy, and to top it off, sent her drink that way as well, splashing Kensuke and a bit of Shinji's trouser leg.

"What are you doing you psycho!" Touji cried back.

Eyes widening, Asuka got up and starting beating on him. Hikari chuckled lightly. I suppose he did deserve that… Shinji looked between them, torn between helping his friend, and his (now former) roommate. While still sitting, he reached a hand out and lightly caught Asuka's fist. She sharply turned back, her other fist ready to belt whoever did that.

Shinji flinched and held up his other hand to protect himself. Not received a crushing blow, he lowered his arm to see her staring down at him, her face confused. She lowered her fist tentatively and bit her lip. Shinji loosened his hold on her and gave a warm smile. "Hey, it's okay, don't kill him just yet…" His eyes wandered over hers. She looks so sad, and hurt… "H-He owes me money…" What am I saying!

Whatever it was, it worked for a second. Her eyes stopped baring their hidden emotions, a bit of sparkle returning to them. When she glanced down at Touji, looking up at her with anger and infuriation all over, she sniffed and closed her eyes, tiny tear globules forming. Pulling her wrist out of Shinji's hand she ran into the school.

The playground was a bit quieter as murmurs began to spread. Shinji looked despairingly after her. What's wrong, Asuka? He saw the two stooges cleaning themselves up, Touji cursing under his breath. Hikari was hovering like he was earlier, deciding which friend to comfort or help. Electing to leave her fiery girlfriend alone for now, knowing that she needed her space, she sat back down and sighed to herself. Another 'lousy boyfriend' mark for Touji… She absently used her chopsticks to pick the remaining rice in her tray.

Rei was quiet during the outburst and fight, but chose this time to speak up. "Pilot Sohryu was upset."

Shinji made an exasperated expression for a second. Ayanami really knows how to state the obvious sometimes… "Yeah, she was. She's… a bit sensitive about a few things…"

Rei took it in and her eyes flicked to one of the upper floors of the school. "I believe you should search for her."

"Wha– Me!" Shinji was getting really confused now. A-Ayanami is asking me to look after Asuka? "Why?"

Rei took a sip of water from the bottle that Shinji gave her. "When Pilot Sohryu is around you, her mood is less volatile." Rei stared at him, her red eyes piercing into his soul. "You have a calming influence on those around you."

"Do… Do you really think I'd make that much of a difference? Just by being beside her?"

Rei looked at him straight. "Yes." She looked away, her vision focussing on nothing in particular, just over the wall into the sky.

Still waiting for her to go on, Shinji realised that she wouldn't move until the lunch bell rang again. Excusing himself, he dusted the green stains off his backside, but realised that it wouldn't be completely removed. He strode into the school, unsure of where to look for her.

Five minutes ago
Playground

"Hey Naota, isn't that Mamimi?" Masashi knew not to call her his girlfriend, seeing that a Medical Mechanica robot appeared the previous time.

"Huh?" He looked up from his comic book. "Yeah, what's she…?" He sat there, mouth open, as he saw her basically jump on Shinji. He crushed the can of beer. "What the hell…!"

Ninamori was passing by, having spoken to some of her girlfriends. She noted the can in Naota's hand and followed his eyes to see what he was watching. Or should I say, whom. She plumped herself next to him. "Looks like Mamimi is moving on, Naota."

"Shut it, Ninamori!" He took a swig from the can, only to have the yellow fluid pour out through the new cracks he created over his sweater. "Aww, man! I just bought this last weekend!"

Ninamori rolled her eyes. "Come on, it's just a beer stain, I'll wash it for you in the changing room."

Naota blushed slightly. What, she wants me to strip now? Weird girl… He looked at her, still focusing on his ex. "Sorry, Eri… I didn't mean to snap…"

She tore herself away from the retreating Shinji and peered closely at him. "It's okay, Naota, I shouldn't've been so rude." She shrugged. "I know it's hard, but you have to move on, besides…" She jerked a thumb behind her. "Shinji definitely isn't interested, and looks more scared than anything."

Once Mamimi left the school, the noises from Touji and Asuka were heard. "Wow…" Gaku recoiled. "He got her angry! That's real stupid…"

As Asuka started throwing the food, they all nodded. "Oh yeah, way wrong…" Masashi agreed out loud.

Ninamori frowned when the strawberry blonde stopped when Shinji grabbed her, and then ran away. I see… He's a bit thick really not to notice her affection for him… She glanced at Naota, still reading his comic now that the entertainment left. Well, maybe not 'that' thick if Naota's the same way…

Meanwhile
Fourth floor

Contact has been made. Kaworu stood up. Now, it's only a matter of time before they stir up enough mental strife for… trouble… He looked at Naota and Ninamori, examined her closely, his Angelic red eyes gathering more data than any human on the planet. Restoring them to their natural state, he scowled for a moment, pulling away from the window and walking out of the classroom.

"Hmm, she may be a problem, I hadn't anticipated another opening –"

He was sent into the doorway as someone barrelled into him, leaving him short of breath. Lilim are too carefree sometimes… He looked down and saw a girl on the floor, but he already knew her, the red synchronisation hair clips flashed in the sunlight.

"Sohryu-san, are you okay?" He asked, holding an arm down for her to get up.

Her shoulders were moving erratically. Is she crying? Asuka slapped Kaworu's hand away, and got up roughly, her elbows scraped on the loose tile. She rubbed one and her finger came back with a small streak of blood. Her fringe covering her face, she walked by Kaworu, who offered to help her.

She shook her head lightly, her voice growing unsteady. "Please…" She went off toward the direction of the girls toilets.

He stood there, his mouth a thin line. Her instability is growing… Arael may have overdone his work… If this continues, her sync ratio will never rise again, and maybe… Kaworu shifted his eyes right, to the window.

He moved away from the door and was going to the stairs to reach the roof when someone else nearly bumped into him.

"Ah Kaworu-kun…"

He smiled. "Hello Shinji. What's the matter, why are you running?"

"I was looking for Asuka, do you know where she's gone?"

Kaworu gave his honest look and pointed down the corridor. "I believe she went into the ladies toilets." He stopped at seeing Shinji blush a bit. "Why was she crying?" I can guess from her reaction…

"Touji opened his mouth too early…" Shinji chuckled. "A-Ayanami said I should find her."

"Well, she's down there, you can wait outside, she should be out soon…"

"Th-thanks Kaworu-kun." Shinji smiled. "I'll see you in class."

"Bye Shinji." He watched the Third Child walk towards the toilets, and lean against the wall by a class. Turning away, Kaworu walked upstairs, having no need to eat any form of food thanks to his core.

Five minutes later

Shinji was getting worried. She's not out yet… He went to the door and slowly opened it up. "A-Asuka?"

"Sh-Shinji!" Her voice was a bit clipped. "Wh-what are you doing! This are the girls toilets!"

"I-I know! I was just…" What was I doing? "I was… looking for you, to see if you were alright…"

He heard a splash of water and grew red. "Y-you can come in, no one's here…"

He did so, and saw her face was wet, the cheeks were a tad puffy, but her eyes were normal. "I needed to wake up a bit, so some water on my face helps me…"

She winced and Shinji drew closer. "What's wrong, are you hurt?"

He saw her cradle her right elbow. "Umm… sorta… I bumped into Kaworu in the corridor and fell bad…" The blood was seeping slowly out of the open cut.

"Let's see that…" Shinji wasn't used to blood, even after all those battles in Unit-01. He frowned. "It looks painful…" He touched it lightly and was rewarded with a gasp from Asuka, and a light punch on his right side.

"What did you do that for!" Her anger cross pounded in time with her heart, as Shinji's slowed at seeing her fury.

"Sor-" He shook his head. "I mean… I was checking…" He pulled her left hand. "We have to take you to the nurse… She can put a plaster on it or something…"

"Ah." She let herself be dragged by Shinji, before she jerked her hand out of his gentle hold. "Quit it! I can walk there on my own!"

"O-okay…" Shinji stammered. "At least let me walk with you…"

Asuka looked at the hopeful expression on his face, and she breathed out an annoyed breath. "Fine, whatever…" She did however slow down to allow him to walk beside her. She watched him from the corner of her eyes, seeing the trousers now had a darker colour in a certain area. "Sorry I spilled my drink on you, Shinji."

"Ah… It's okay, really." He laughed it off. "Just some juice, I can wash it out later." He looked close at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

They both knew that this time, the mental state as opposed to the physical was being referenced. "I-I'll be fine…" She turned away, not wanting to recall those memories again.

The two walked close together as they tried to find the medical room.

Meanwhile
Streets of Mabase

Inside a customised van, Kitsurubami began her orders, logging on to the Information Network, formally known before Second Impact as the Internet. The IN speed had vastly improved thanks to that generation's technology, surpassing all known broadband speeds of the pre-Impact years.

Her fingers flew over the keyboard. "So, he wants me to look up GEHIRN, with any relation to SEELE…"

Accessing the global search database, after inputting her priority level from the Interstellar Immigration, she started.

NERV Base-M
Five minutes later

"You wanted to see me Commander?"

"Yes, it appears that someone is attempting to hack into MAGI, we need you and a team of Section 2 agents to eliminate the threat."

"Why me?" Misato raised an eyebrow.

"The person is located in Mabase, and is currently on the move." He smirked. "I believe you will be able to track the perpetrator down quickly and efficiently."

"Roger!" She saluted him and left the office.

Gendo readjusted his glasses. SEELE must be worried if someone could access top level files. By ordering her to kill this person, we stop the worries of the old men…

He frowned as he looked down at his desk, now repaired, but the scar in the flooring could not be removed.

That woman… What is she doing now? He rubbed his hand. How did she know? All my secrets…

He waited for the expected confirmation from Section 2.

Five minutes later
Mabase

Kitsurubami was a master of multitasking, which was how she managed to type and drive at the same time. Her eyes had widened a while ago from the information she had gathered.

"Wh-what is this?"

She was currently staring at a picture of the visor wearing Kihl, the scant knowledge of his profile displayed next to him.

"SEELE created GEHIRN and NERV?" Her history was muddled from what she knew. "I thought it was the UN… There's almost nothing on this group... Except…"

There was one line, recently appended, on a sole page on the IN, which brought her attention up.

"MK, SEELE using NERV for Human Instrumentality Project."

"Not only did it mention the two departments, but something new…" No matter how many times she changed the wording, she could find no more information on the project. "What could it mean?"

Her hearing picked up the sound of screeching tyres. Looking in the wing mirror she saw a speedy blue car and black van tailing her.

"Uh-oh…"

Shifting gears, she drove through the red light, and crossed the intersection, wary of the fact that they did the same.

Glancing at the van she saw the side door open as it approached her, and men in black suits began pulling out weapons. They started shooting.

"Shit!" She swerved left and barged the van away for a short time. Even though her windows and door were bullet-proof, she didn't want to take any chances.

Cutting into heavy traffic she pulled away into a side alley, and smirked as the larger van couldn't get through. Her smile disappeared once she saw the car chase her regardless.

"This is one tough person…"

As the walls closed in further, the only way out leading to a street full of cars, she put her foot on the accelerator, held her hand on the horn and closed her eyes, praying to whatever God could save her. As her van bounced off a small bit of debris, she left the ground for scant seconds, ready to plunge into the horrified civilian drivers.

However, something stopped her.

Opening her eyes, she recognised the angel that had saved her.

"Y-You…"

The thin blue figure lowered the van gently in a space large enough for it.

"Canti…"

She blushed momentarily, as she realised she was still in danger. As the van was now gridlocked, she grabbed her weapon and leaped out the van, in case they had heavy artillery.

The blue car stopped at the end of the alley, and the occupant opened the door, holding the pistol straight ahead.

"Surrender now!" Misato shouted, both hands shaking from her exciting drive. Her adrenaline was still pumping making her breath faster.

"Who are you?" Kitsurubami shouted from behind her bullet-proof door, as the normal citizens began to scream and run away from the two crazy women.

Misato bit her lip, she wasn't expecting the person to resist so much. There's no way I can just kill a person, even if I'm ordered to… "Throw away your weapon, or else I will fire!"

Kitsurubami analysed her options, which were few. Though she could make a break for it, she doubted she could outrun a bullet, and the street was closed off, the only way out being where Misato was.

Why is she chasing me?

"Three!" Misato cried, she could see the leg of the person beneath the van, a tanned one that belonged to a woman. "Two!"

Again, the blonde haired woman began to think. Why give me a time limit? Am I in danger? She looked down and swore as part of her leg peeked out from the safety of her door.

"One!"

She pulled it back fast as the bullet rang out, pinging off the metallic surface. Cursing to herself Misato got up and started running forwards. Now that she knows I'm shooting to kill, she'll try to do the same…

Gripping her gun tighter, Kitsurubami recalled the training from her officers and was ready to tumble sideways from her barrier to immobilise the person.

Misato got up onto the bonnet of a car and jumped into the air, the sun behind her giving an advantage. Kitsurubami took this moment to kick off the ground and roll to her right, away from her shield, and looking briefly for her attacker before spotting her shadowed in the sun.

They levelled the guns at each other.

Simultaneously, they pulled their triggers.

-
Author's Notes

Short one for now, but writer's block hit me and I wanted to finish what I could before moving on to a different story.

Hope you enjoy! Reviews appreciated.

- J