M. H. Fuzzball
Aperture Science-certified Horrible Person
- Location
- Sector 2814
Not even if it has the words, "So Long, And Thanks..." etched into it?
Advice and Trust [NGE]
- Location
- National Capital Region, USA
Wrote that before the conversation happened, but it did make me laugh at the coincidence.
Off to the office.
Matt R
Giant Robot Pilot
- Location
- North Dakota
Two things that occurred to me:
1) Does Asuka wonder what the deal is with the Lance? Think about it: a javelin that seems to defy physics and practically ignore otherwise impenetrable AT-fields without apparently containing any recognizable technology that might allow it to do either, and doesn't conform at all to NERV's existing design aesthetic. And they only had one, with no indication of more being in any sort of production pipeline, despite being so effective that you'd think they'd do anything to get more. Has Asuka had a chance to be suspicious, or between worrying about Rei's health (twice!) and planning a Christmas party, has she just been too busy to think about it too much?
2) On a more somber note, I wonder if Shinji learning about Kaworu's true nature will have any impact on how he sees his previous Angel battles in hindsight -- sort of "were they really the monsters we saw them as?" sort of thing, and potentially even some guilt over killing them. I think Asuka probably takes the pragmatic approach that, whatever their motives, they were a threat to Earth and needed to fall. Hikari hasn't actually been in any Angel fights in corporeal human form. And Rei seems to be coping with her own dilemma by regarding Kaworu and Tabris as separate beings that happen to share a body. But Shinji seems sensitive enough that it might weigh on him.
Then again, Kaworu himself apparently had no qualms about firing on Arael, even before Arael attacked Rei. And Arael definitely cut Kaworu no slack just on account of Kaworu being a fellow child of Adam (and indeed, having Adam's soul).
That can't help Kaworu's feeling of being alone in the world -- even when faced with others of his own kind, he can't find companions even if circumstances allowed him to try.
1) Does Asuka wonder what the deal is with the Lance? Think about it: a javelin that seems to defy physics and practically ignore otherwise impenetrable AT-fields without apparently containing any recognizable technology that might allow it to do either, and doesn't conform at all to NERV's existing design aesthetic. And they only had one, with no indication of more being in any sort of production pipeline, despite being so effective that you'd think they'd do anything to get more. Has Asuka had a chance to be suspicious, or between worrying about Rei's health (twice!) and planning a Christmas party, has she just been too busy to think about it too much?
2) On a more somber note, I wonder if Shinji learning about Kaworu's true nature will have any impact on how he sees his previous Angel battles in hindsight -- sort of "were they really the monsters we saw them as?" sort of thing, and potentially even some guilt over killing them. I think Asuka probably takes the pragmatic approach that, whatever their motives, they were a threat to Earth and needed to fall. Hikari hasn't actually been in any Angel fights in corporeal human form. And Rei seems to be coping with her own dilemma by regarding Kaworu and Tabris as separate beings that happen to share a body. But Shinji seems sensitive enough that it might weigh on him.
Then again, Kaworu himself apparently had no qualms about firing on Arael, even before Arael attacked Rei. And Arael definitely cut Kaworu no slack just on account of Kaworu being a fellow child of Adam (and indeed, having Adam's soul).
That can't help Kaworu's feeling of being alone in the world -- even when faced with others of his own kind, he can't find companions even if circumstances allowed him to try.
- Location
- Canada
It's things like this that make Nerv's lack of staff councilors/psychologists more glaring.Two things that occurred to me:
1) Does Asuka wonder what the deal is with the Lance? Think about it: a javelin that seems to defy physics and practically ignore otherwise impenetrable AT-fields without apparently containing any recognizable technology that might allow it to do either, and doesn't conform at all to NERV's existing design aesthetic. And they only had one, with no indication of more being in any sort of production pipeline, despite being so effective that you'd think they'd do anything to get more. Has Asuka had a chance to be suspicious, or between worrying about Rei's health (twice!) and planning a Christmas party, has she just been too busy to think about it too much?
2) On a more somber note, I wonder if Shinji learning about Kaworu's true nature will have any impact on how he sees his previous Angel battles in hindsight -- sort of "were they really the monsters we saw them as?" sort of thing, and potentially even some guilt over killing them. I think Asuka probably takes the pragmatic approach that, whatever their motives, they were a threat to Earth and needed to fall. Hikari hasn't actually been in any Angel fights in corporeal human form. And Rei seems to be coping with her own dilemma by regarding Kaworu and Tabris as separate beings that happen to share a body. But Shinji seems sensitive enough that it might weigh on him.
Then again, Kaworu himself apparently had no qualms about firing on Arael, even before Arael attacked Rei. And Arael definitely cut Kaworu no slack just on account of Kaworu being a fellow child of Adam (and indeed, having Adam's soul).
That can't help Kaworu's feeling of being alone in the world -- even when faced with others of his own kind, he can't find companions even if circumstances allowed him to try.
- Location
- Surrey
Two things that occurred to me:
1) Does Asuka wonder what the deal is with the Lance? Think about it: a javelin that seems to defy physics and practically ignore otherwise impenetrable AT-fields without apparently containing any recognizable technology that might allow it to do either, and doesn't conform at all to NERV's existing design aesthetic. And they only had one, with no indication of more being in any sort of production pipeline, despite being so effective that you'd think they'd do anything to get more. Has Asuka had a chance to be suspicious, or between worrying about Rei's health (twice!) and planning a Christmas party, has she just been too busy to think about it too much?
2) On a more somber note, I wonder if Shinji learning about Kaworu's true nature will have any impact on how he sees his previous Angel battles in hindsight -- sort of "were they really the monsters we saw them as?" sort of thing, and potentially even some guilt over killing them. I think Asuka probably takes the pragmatic approach that, whatever their motives, they were a threat to Earth and needed to fall. Hikari hasn't actually been in any Angel fights in corporeal human form. And Rei seems to be coping with her own dilemma by regarding Kaworu and Tabris as separate beings that happen to share a body. But Shinji seems sensitive enough that it might weigh on him.
Then again, Kaworu himself apparently had no qualms about firing on Arael, even before Arael attacked Rei. And Arael definitely cut Kaworu no slack just on account of Kaworu being a fellow child of Adam (and indeed, having Adam's soul).
That can't help Kaworu's feeling of being alone in the world -- even when faced with others of his own kind, he can't find companions even if circumstances allowed him to try.
1) asuka probably doesn't think much about The Lance since it saved her friend from horrible psychic assault and it isn't around to make her think of it more. Plus the more pressing matters like Rei collapsing out of nowhere or her budding romance.
2) Considering what the previous Angels did during their attacks, I don't think there's much chance of Shinji regarding something like Arael or Zeruel as something more than 'horrible monsters that tried to murder my friends and family'.
- Location
- Not your place of residence
On the other hand, how does Shinji reconcile the person he's grown to know and care for...with the fact that the same person was literally made to destroy humanity (well, really to be a patsy, but the point is that he's an Angel.)
- Location
- Edinburgh
Well I suppose there is likely to be something of an icy period between then when Shinji does learn the truth but I suppose he is just going to have to understand who Kaworu is now compared to what he was created/told to do.
He will have to see that Kaworu doesn't want to do go through with that particular task, Kaworu does love/care for them all and doesn't want to hurt anyone.
Matt R
Giant Robot Pilot
- Location
- North Dakota
Rei and Kaworu both fit that description, actually -- Rei for Gendo's Scenario, and Kaworu for SEELE's. It's thanks to Shinji and Asuka that they've both grown beyond those roles, to the point of not merely rejecting those plans, but looking to thwart them.
More broadly, they've all been used and manipulated towards an awful end -- subjected to pain and suffering under the pretense of preventing the Apocalypse, but actually only to clear the way so someone else can cause the Apocalypse they prefer instead.
I think the previous drugging of Rei will help Asuka and Shinji come to terms with things. Asuka wondered why they needed a pilot that pliant? There's her answer -- Gendo needed Rei so messed up that she'd willingly go along with a plan to end the world without question. Same with Kaworu's upbringing -- deny him anything that might lead him to question his role.
The revelation of Lilith's role in the creation of life on Earth, and how Adam and Lilith exist for the same purpose, could also help -- the Adam-descended Angels and Humanity aren't so much fundamental enemies, as that they're dealing with a situation that wasn't supposed to happen and so wasn't really accounted for in their instincts. As a hybrid, Kaworu has enough intellect to go beyond that instinct, and that's led him to reject that instinct with all his willpower.
(That raises another question: how much do the Angels other than Kaworu, especially the early ones, recognize humans as lifeforms at all, particularly as sapient lifeforms? Sachiel reacted to the military's attack almost as a human might respond to a swarm of bees, at least until the N2 was dropped on him, and most of the early Angels weren't much different, swatting away conventional forces only when attacked. Gaghiel seemed to be the only exception, announcing his presence by ramming a warship. Was it merely because most human works posed no real threat, or were humans actually beneath their notice until they showed up wearing EVAs?)
sorry I haven't posted anything for a while now. Stuff came up in my life. (computer crashes removing all of the incognito tabs that have Evangelion pictures that I have. Getting interested in other franchises as well as gaming.)
Comedy Omake #55 - Backstage #6 - Secrets
- Location
- National Capital Region, USA
Mostly the latter. She just hasn't had time to sit and ponder it. If/when she does, that will be one more data point in the pile of 'WTF is SEELE/NERV up to?' Though by this point, they have most of the information they might need to determine that the Lance was some kind of FAR artifact, since they know everything Yui knew up as far as 2004.
Very much so. Shinji's still all too capable of feeling guilty for having had to kill at all. If he starts conceptualizing the Angels as 'people', he'll feel horrible. Asuka less so, but she'll feel bad that the concept makes Shinji feel bad. 'Make Shinji happy' is a very important drive to her now. So she'll do her best to buoy his spirits, and presumably turn to Rei and Kaworu to help. It might not be as bad as it could be: Look at Manga!Shinji's reaction to Kaworu's death. He wasn't nearly as crushed as he was in the Series, because he understood Kaworu's choice a lot better there, and accepted it.
Now... I am late. In more ways than one: It's 0227 here, and I need to be in bed 2 hours ago.
But it's also a bit past June 6th, 2017.... which is Shinji Ikari's 16th Birthday. Happy Birthday, Shinji. I wanted to give him a happy one, just like Asuka got, but that's 7 months in the future for the A&T cast, and I don't want to write anything that gives the ending away. (Ok, right, I'm pretty sure most of you would laugh if I even tried to suggest Shinji and Asuka won't make it to the end. I'm not Adam Kadmon.) So I had the idea for this thing, which is 'canon' for it, but at the same time not stepping on things here.
Enjoy a little bit of birthday fluff for Asuka's favorite Pilot.
Backstage #6 - Secrets
+++
Asuka put down the bottle of rum she'd ostentatiously taken a big swig from and locked the trailer door again. "There! That 'totally not for kinky sex' shopping list ought to keep that weird Production Assistant busy for awhile, and fuel some rumors." She happily bounced back over to the small bed in the corner of the trailer and flopped gently back down on top of the occupant already laying there. "Now, where were we?"
"About right here," Shinji smiled, and wrapped his arms around her again.
"Ah, good! I like this spot," Asuka said with a grin, and kissed him. She made a disapointed mew when he pulled away after just a minute.
"Asuka… I wish we didn't have to do this," he said, pursing his lips.
"Funny, you usually like making out with me."
He frowned. "You know what I mean. The whole 'spread rumors of constant wild sex, bacchanalias, threesomes, moresomes, and such' to keep the tabloids occupied and the project in the news. I want to tell everyone the truth."
"To be fair, most of those things are true, and we both enjoy it," Asuka deflected.
"Asuka…"
"We can't just tell the press, Shinji. They'll just go crazier if they have something real to report. And… I want you to stay my secret treasure for a bit longer, alright? I don't want to tell anyone."
"We told Rei and Kaworu?"
Asuka snorted. "'Told them'? We didn't tell them anything. They were there!" Asuka wiggled enough to free her left arm and take his left hand across Shinji's chest. The matching rings sparkled. "They were our dang witnesses. Rei wouldn't stop hooting, for one thing."
"She was also the one who shouted 'VEGAS TRIP!' when I proposed," Shinji noted. "Seeing as how she was lying next to us."
Asuka grinned back at him. They'd 'accidentally' let the press hear about the four stars of Advice & Trust skipping town for a weekend in Vegas, but only the four of them knew they'd done more than drink, gamble, and hit the strip clubs while there. Shinji and her had found just enough time to find a discreet little chapel, and become more than just a on-set fling.
"Holy shit, I'm married!" Asuka had screamed at the parking lot on their way out, grinning from ear to ear.
"Are you sure it's all legal?" Shinji's question dragged her back to the present.
"Eh? Oh, that. Yes, of course I'm sure, baka. I'm a US citizen, and we're both 19. Perfectly legal for us to get married in Vegas. Japan has to recognize it." She nuzzled his cheek. "What are you so worried about?"
He pulled his hand from hers to wrap his arms around her again. "I don't want you to… slip away somehow. I can't be this lucky. This doesn't seem real."
"Pfft. You don't think you're this lucky? You, my dear baka, are Shinji Ikari, the famous son of the world famous actor slash adventurer slash doctor Gendo Ikari. This may be your first role as the main hero, but I'm nobody. I'm only here because I was the only cute redhead at the auditions that could actually speak German, Japanese, and English fluently. And I still almost didn't get the role over that strawberry blonde chick. Now I'm the female lead in a huge new franchise and I got to date you as part of all this? That was wild enough. The 'pretend' bedroom antics with the one and only Rei Ayanami were a bonus. And that new guy. But that you proposed to me? I about passed out on the spot!"
"I… thought we'd have to wait, anyhow. Not an adult in Japan until you hit 20, after all. Rei's idea for Vegas was actually… really smart." Shinji blushed. That Rei had been the one to prod Shinji into making the proposal as they all lay there after some… vigorous exertion was somehow fitting for all of them. Rei was an endlessly cheerful social butterfly off-set, with a first-class brain underneath. Somehow having her in bed with both of them, and her nudging Shinji to propose to Asuka in the afterglow felt… natural. Like Rei was supposed to be there too. She'd let off a nearly ultrasonic 'squeee' when he did and Asuka instantly accepted. "I'm glad we didn't. And you're not 'nothing', Asuka. You're… amazing. Every other girl I've dated turned out to be just after the 'me' she saw on the screen. Dad always warned me about them, and I never listened. But he liked you right away, remember?"
"That's because your dad is like, super-dad. Everybody likes him. He's the most weirdly social guy I've ever met. And so laid back, too." Asuka shrugged. "And he approves of me?"
"Asuka, the day we met, my dad pulled me aside after you and I had our first scene together, pointed at you, and just said 'Her.'" Shinji rolled his eyes. "Of course, he then wandered off to go smoke half a kilo of weed with Pen Pen, but I got what he meant."
"Huh… cool," Asuka marveled. "Anyway, yes, we still have to… keep the fact that we are no-shit 100% married under wraps for a while longer. Even from your dad."
"Why?"
"Well, on top of all the 'keep the press chasing rumors' stuff, number one, because I'm pretty sure he's going to flip his lid in a good way when he does find out, and be useless for at least a week of shooting, and number two," Asuka took a calming breath, "I'm not ready to go public yet. I'm nob-...ok, I'll stop that. But I'm still a new face on her first big production, and you and everyone else here are huge stars like you, Rei, and your dad, classically trained naturals like Suzuhara, or serious, veteran actors like Katsuragi and Kaji! I can't even face the press without collapsing into meebling mush without acting the whole 'wild child' persona Rei taught me! I'm… scared to be 'real' with the public just yet." She buried her face into his neck. "Especially with something like this. I'm still terrified sometimes that this is just a dream, and next year I'll be just some 'on-set fling' in your rear-view mirror."
Shinji shook his head and held her close. "Not happening. You and I are going to still be together when they call us all back in 20 years to film the Reunion specials and such for this franchise. My agent tells me this thing is going to be huge. Like, we could retire and coast our entire careers on just this alone." He kissed the side of her head gently. "Asuka, no one gets me like you do. Even Rei thinks we're some kind of 'destined pair', or whatever other crazy stuff she says about us. I'm not giving you up for the whole world."
"Good," Asuka said quietly. "Because I may be afraid right now, but I know when I'm ready, I'm going to want to tell the whole world."
Shinji chuckled. "We time it right, like during the premiere red carpet walk, we might really get the whole world to notice."
Asuka stiffened in his arms. "Ok, back to being terrified."
"Good thing we've got at least an hour to just cuddle before anyone comes looking for us," Shinji said, matching his actions to his words.
"No one would believe us if we told them this part," Asuka said, still trying to burrow into his arms. "That we're just sitting here being dopey-sweet and not engaged in some kind of carnal endurance marathon."
"I don't care. This is the part I love, Asuka. I've had more sex than I can remember. I've never made love to someone until I met you."
"And there's the super-sweet baka I feel for," Asuka purred. "Love you too, my suave Shinji. Happy birthday, my sweet baka."
+++
Spectral Waltz
Scatterbrained Writer
- Location
- Walking the Endless Corridors
D'aww...
On one hand, I'm sad because no story. On the other, that was goddamn fluffy funny anyways so I don't need story!
On one hand, I'm sad because no story. On the other, that was goddamn fluffy funny anyways so I don't need story!
Always Late
Lacking in coffee, sleep, and brains
- Location
- Ohio
Hello Ms. Shinikami.
... you know what? Still not weirder than NBD.
Except there'll be a theatrical remake they'll call you back for, and stick you with the runner-up for Asuka. And Misato Cosplaying as M. Bison.
Is Always Late right? Is it Shikanami? Because the two Asukas look identical(physically) from what I can tell.
Timerider
That guy who really should get out more.
- Location
- The End of the World.
Mobile Fighter Evangelion's Gendo was worse.
M. H. Fuzzball
Aperture Science-certified Horrible Person
- Location
- Sector 2814
Actually, from most pictures I've looked at, Shikinami looks more brunette than redhead.
JennyDracos
Eccentric Hugging Lady
- Location
- Chicago
Yeah, June is gonna be way too short after how everything goes down for a flash-forward to not be MASSIVE spoilers. I think we're all pretty certain that even if Shinji or Asuka dies, they won't stay dead.
Pretty certain.
But Rei and Kaworu are another matter entirely; the chances that either or both will survive to the end of A&T are up in the air. They'll both PROBABLY make it to Chapter 11, after that last conversation. Same for Hikari. To the end of Chapter 11...who knows?
As for this bit of lovely WAFF? I think my favorite part is Rei, having just wrapped up a marathon session of 'pretending' Israfel Special, saying "Hey Shinji, we should grab Kaworu and go to Las Vegas so you and her can get married."
Pretty certain.
But Rei and Kaworu are another matter entirely; the chances that either or both will survive to the end of A&T are up in the air. They'll both PROBABLY make it to Chapter 11, after that last conversation. Same for Hikari. To the end of Chapter 11...who knows?
As for this bit of lovely WAFF? I think my favorite part is Rei, having just wrapped up a marathon session of 'pretending' Israfel Special, saying "Hey Shinji, we should grab Kaworu and go to Las Vegas so you and her can get married."
- Location
- Canada
I'm not sure he has the emotional chops for episodes eight and nine. "How beautiful that sunlight..." indeed.... my brain just went a very silly place, and tried to imagine omake!Gendo playing Alucard from Hellsing. This mostly resulted in my brain segfaulting
Still better than the other way around?
". . . the officiant was an Elvis impersonator."
M. H. Fuzzball
Aperture Science-certified Horrible Person
- Location
- Sector 2814
"No, no he wasn't..."
StorymasterQ
Chief of Weaponized Tropes First Division
- Location
- Denpasar, Bali
"'No, he wasn't impersonating Elvis' or 'No, he wasn't an impersonator'?""No, no he wasn't..."
samdamandias
Apprentice Plane Wizard
Cosmological constant more like, methinks.
Say, isn't there a long tradition of oracles and shamans using mind-altering substances?
Of course! He had another gig downtown, but that doesn't mean he isn't an officially registered officiant for four religions and half-a-dozen denominations.
Matt R
Giant Robot Pilot
- Location
- North Dakota
I suspect it's "not an impersonator." Or perhaps "wasn't impersonating Elvis."
StorymasterQ
Chief of Weaponized Tropes First Division
- Location
- Denpasar, Bali
So... Mathematician's Answer?I suspect it's "not an impersonator." Or perhaps "wasn't impersonating Elvis."
M. H. Fuzzball
Aperture Science-certified Horrible Person
- Location
- Sector 2814
I suspect it's "not an impersonator." Or perhaps "wasn't impersonating Elvis."
Actually, in this case, the Mathematician's Answer would be, "Yes." Matt's response, however, distilled both options into a single meaning, that meaning being the one I intended to convey. Namely, that they were in fact married by Elvis. It amuses him greatly that his certificate of ordination in the Church of Elvis actually shows his birth name.