Flame Angel, Frost Angel (part 1 of 2) a Neon Genesis Evangelion fanfiction by GrandMoff ÒHow are you, Asuka?Ó SheÕs talking to me, Asuka realized. I canÕt recall her starting a conversation with anyone. Does this mean that something is wrong? ÒIÕm doing very well, Rei,Ó the red-haired girl answered. ÒIÕve got my studies to worry about and that dependent penguin to look after. But how are you doing?Ó Rei thought about it for a moment. ÒI donÕt know,Ó she confessed glumly. ÒSure you do. You know how youÕre feeling. IÕll show you. How are you doing in school?Ó ÒVery well.Ó ÒHow are you feeling physically?Ó ÒHealthy.Ó ÒHave you made any new friends?Ó ÒNo.Ó ÒWhat do you do after school?Ó ÒI swim.Ó ÒÉThatÕs it?Ó ÒI eat. I sleep.Ó SheÕs not okay, Asuka decided. Just like so many of us werenÕt. After the defeat of the last Angel, NERV had disbanded, since it was no longer necessary. Shinji had disappeared completely, no word to anyone. Katsuragi and Kaji had drowned when theyÕd foolishly attempted to explore an underwater cave together. Maya had been found dead in her apartment, and no cause of death had ever been determined. Gendo had been murdered; the killer was still unknown. Ritsuko had attempted suicide and was in a mental hospital. Asuka didnÕt know what had happened to any other former NERV employees, except herself and Rei. WeÕre the survivors, Asuka thought. But for how long? ÒListen, Wonder Girl, youÕve got to make some friends.Ó ÒHow?Ó At least she didnÕt ask me why, Asuka noted. ThatÕs progress. ÒYou just have to be nice; be yourself. It all starts with talking to people. You can talk about swimming, or school, or people you know, or what your plans areÉa little conversation leads to a lot of friendship.Ó ÒMyÉplans?Ó ÒYeah, you know. Your intentions-what youÕll do when youÕre through with school.Ó The blue-haired girl gave Asuka a blank stare. ÒIÕll give you examples. I plan to work with autistic children and try to find a way to beat the disorder. My friend Kanji will become a computer programmer. My friend Ozuni is going to be a fashion designer. How about you, Rei?Ó ÒI am an Eva pilot.Ó ÒBut thatÕs over with. You have to accept it. What will you do?Ó ÒI am uncertain.Ó Asuka shook her head. ÒNo one is ever certain, Wonder Girl. Take a guess. What do you want to do?Ó ÒI was designed to fight Angels. There is nothing else for me to do.Ó ÒYouÕre wrong, Rei. You are a human being like any of us. You are smart and very hard working. You could be anything. You must have something that interests you.Ó Come on, she pleaded silently. I donÕt want to lose you too. ÒSongs.Ó ÒThere you go,Ó the red-haired girl said with relief. ÒYou could be a singer. Your voice is se-soothing and you look very cute.Ó I almost said sexy, Asuka chided herself in dismay. Why? ÒIÕm interested in writing songs,Ó Rei clarified. ÒYou are? Let me see something youÕve written.Ó Rei balked. ÒI canÕt-I-I donÕt want to waste your time. What if theyÕre not any good?Ó ÒCome on, please? I promise I wonÕt say anything mean. IÕm curious and IÕd love to help you if I can.Ó Rei opened her backpack and pulled out a worn blue notebook. She flipped through it, scanning. She said nothing, but Asuka knew she was looking for a song she considered worthy. She decided to take matters-and the songbook-in her own hands. With blurring speed, she snatched the book from ReiÕs relaxed grasp. ÒHey!Ó Rei protested. She reached for her songs, but Asuka held them out of her range. ÒI just want to see one or two. IÕll give them right back. DonÕt you trust me by now, Wonder Girl?Ó Rei blushed but she lowered her hands to her sides. ÒHurry, please,Ó she requested. ÒNo titles?Ó Asuka asked in bewilderment. ÒAll I see is numbers. You ought to give them titles, Rei. Oh, this one looks promisingÉÓ The blue-eyed, energetic girl flew through the page. ÒOne more,Ó she said absently and thumbed through the faded book. She read another song. ÒThat wasnÕt so hard, was it?Ó Asuka jibed as she returned the book to Rei. ÒYou write very well.Ó Rei looked at the floor. ÒNo, I donÕt,Ó she mumbled. ÒYes, you do. You donÕt know how to handle praise, though. I really liked the two I read. ButÉtheyÕre so sad; theyÕre so cold.Ó ÒCold?Ó ÒI canÕt explain very well, IÕm afraid. But I am impressed. And I think I could give you a few tips, if I had the time. Your styleÉitÕs-I donÕt know! ItÕsÉÓ ÒÉCould you come to my apartment and help me, Asuka?Ó A breakthrough! IÕve found something she enjoys, Asuka congratulated herself. A smile spread across her face. ÒI would be honored to help you, Rei,Ó the blue-eyed girl accepted warmly. ÒWhen shall I meet you?Ó ÒUmÉ8:00, if it is convenient?Ó ÒPerfect.Ó Asuka rang the door buzzer to ReiÕs apartment at 7:50. She nervously smoothed her hair while she waited for her red-eyed friend to answer the door. Asuka had taken nearly an hour to get ready for this meeting. After hunting in her closet, sheÕd found a lavender dress with long, frilly sleeves, a high neckline, and an embroidered hem that reached to a few cm above her knees. SheÕd also dabbed on a subtle, breezy perfume (for its calming effect.) On her way over to ReiÕs place, sheÕd picked up a bouquet of daisies, lilies, and peonies (to brighten the room.) On impulse, sheÕd removed one lily and used it to keep her fiery red hair tucked behind her left ear (so it didnÕt get in her eyes.) SheÕd also brought two giant homemade cinnamon buns (in case Rei hadnÕt eaten yet.) Yes, itÕs all got a reason, Asuka assured herself. ItÕs not like IÕm on a date or anything. ThatÕs why I need to settle down. No reason to be excited. IÕm helping a friend. Rei opened the door and she paused a moment before inviting Asuka into the apartment. Had Asuka imagined the brief smile on ReiÕs lips? ÒCome in, Asuka,Ó Rei greeted. Asuka immediately noticed that Rei was wearing her school uniform and she could guess what reason the blue-haired girl had for doing so. She glanced quickly around her friendÕs small apartment. There was nothing on the walls. The floors were bare wood. There were one mattress, one chair, one desk, and three lamps. Sparse was not the word for ReiÕs dwelling. Asuka felt an overwhelming desire to teach her friend-to give her aid. She didnÕt want to crush Rei with advice and helpful tips, so she decided to start with the songs, as sheÕd promised. That would provide a purpose; it would be ReiÕs motivation. ÒAsukaÉyou lookÉnice,Ó the former pilot complimented the red-haired girl. AsukaÕs cheeks darkened drastically at the remark. ÒUm, th-thanks, Wonder Girl,Ó Asuka haltingly replied. ÒI brought you some flowers and cinnamon rolls.Ó ÒI am grateful,Ó Rei said simply. ÒDonÕt mention it. Now letÕs get started on those songs, okay? Where do you want to work?Ó ÒHere.Ó ÒHere? You have no table and only one chair. If weÕre going to write, we have to be comfortable.Ó ÒWe do?Ó ÒYeah. This could be a great location with some work, but itÕs definitely not suitable yet. WeÕll get it there. But for right now, we should work on your songs. So letÕs go to this cafŽ I know and weÕll start there. Come on, Rei; my carÕs outside.Ó The redhead grabbed the timid girlÕs elbow and hustled her out the door. Asuka loved driving fast, and she was always in complete control. IÕm enjoying this ride, Rei realized. AsukaÕs a great driver. ThatÕs probably part of the reason she piloted an Eva. ÒOkay!Ó Asuka bubbled as she jumped out of the car. ÒLetÕs go.Ó ÒAsuka, arenÕt we at your apartment?Ó ÒYes. WeÕve got to get you changed out of that school outfit and into something fit for public wear.Ó The bounding redhead pulled her companion through the building and up to her apartment. ÒMy uniform is not allowed?Ó Reid asked with disbelief. Asuka unlocked the door. ÒIÕm sure that other people would let you wear it. I wonÕt. Now then, the closetÉyouÕre almost my size, Wonder Girl. HmmÉI have got way too many cute dresses. ThatÕs a very good thing, by the way. Go ahead; pick something you like.Ó Rei was confused and apprehensive. SheÕd never worn anything like what she saw hanging before her. AsukaÕs closet resembled a wild rainbow made of fabric. More perplexing was ReiÕs understanding that Asuka had suddenly become a friend. Not just a fellow student or a former colleague-she was the first friend that Rei had ever had. Rei wouldnÕt let her friend down. She picked a yellow, short-sleeved dress with white and blue stripes and a pleated skirt. ÒNot bad,Ó Asuka commented. ÒItÕs one of my favorites. Put it on, weÕll see how you look.Ó AsukaÕs face turned maroon as Rei quickly began changing right in front of her. Of course, the girls had changed and even showered together often when they had been Eva pilots, but this was somehow a bit removed from that. Asuka didnÕt know why she was embarrassed, so she grew flustered, too. She had to notice how well-defined ReiÕs muscles were, and how nicely formed her chest was, though ReiÕs breasts were smaller than AsukaÕs. Rei moved with absolute grace, too; the play of her sinews and tendons underneath her pale skin seemed to pull at AsukaÕs mind and lure her towardÉstrange feelings. Asuka shook her head, then looked away. Then she looked back, since Rei would notice if she was looking away from her and she would ask questions-embarrassing questions. Asuka wasnÕt sure she had real answers anyway. Rei zipped the back of the dress and looked to Asuka for approval. Asuka smiled. ÒItÕs really flattering; you really look great. Those shoes, thoughÉlet me see your feetÉÓ Rei let Asuka compare the size of their feet. ÒMine would be too big for you,Ó Asuka stated. ÒI guess you can wear your school shoes now. They donÕt really work with the dress, but they donÕt clash either. WeÕll deal with your footwear problems later. What else, though? Your ears arenÕt pierced, so thatÕs out. A necklace wonÕt go well with that dress, either. Ah, IÕve got it.Ó She opened her jewelry box and removed two sterling silver bracelets. Rubies and garnets flashed on the thin metal bands. ÒOne on each wrist,Ó Asuka said as she fastened the silver hoops around ReiÕs forearms. ÒLook at yourself, Rei. YouÕre beautiful.Ó Rei flushed at the praise. She looked in AsukaÕs floor-to-ceiling mirror. She knew it was her reflection, but she believed it only marginally. The girl in the mirror was someone sheÕd never seen before, but someone she liked. ÒAsukaÉÓ she whispered. ÒI-thank you.Ó ÒWhatÕre friends for? CÕmon, cutie-Ò I just called her cutie! WhatÕs wrong with me? Ò-letÕs go to the cafŽ now.Ó Maybe Rei hadnÕt noticed her little slip. Or maybe she had; her face sported a bashful smile. The two friends left the apartment and headed for the cafŽ. When they got to the cafŽ, Asuka guided Rei over to her usual booth and sat next to her on the vinyl bench. Asuka ordered her habitual black coffee. After some awkward consideration, Rei asked for the same. She doesnÕt know what she likes, Asuka realized. She took her cue from me. IÕd better be careful about what I do and say. Asuka persuaded Rei to take out her notebook and the two girls began poring over ReiÕs material. ÒThis is great stuff; I like it more all the time. Here, with this first one, canÕt you think of a suitable title?Ó ÒHow about, ÔMy Thoughts and Feelings?ÕÓ Rei said, her large, ruby eyes blinking. ÒGood-but thatÕs what all of these are. Try to be more specific-can you?Ó ÒÕMy Sadness at Victory?ÕÓ Rei tried. Asuka had started to daydream, bathing herself in ReiÕs intense, depthless eyes. She vaguely noticed that Rei was waiting for something. ÒÉOr is that not good?Ó Rei stammered. ÒN-no! No, itÕs very good,Ó Asuka replied, silently berating herself. Why canÕt I concentrate on helping my friend? I feel so confusedÉor perhaps euphoric. Maybe IÕm just telling myself IÕm confused. ÒIÕll tell you what, Wonder Girl, letÕs forget the titles for right now. Content is the most important thing when it comes to songs.Ó Asuka put on a businesslike manner. ÒContentÉis most important,Ó Rei repeated. ÒWhat do you mean?Ó ÒItÕs impossible to overstate any emotion thatÕs strong enough to inspire songwriting. Are you with me?Ó ReiÕs short blue hair bounced as she nodded. ÒSadness, grief, sorrow, and disappointment are good emotional basis-es? Basees? Basi?Ó Rei giggled. It was a completely unexpected sound for both girls. Asuka spoke without thinking. ÒYouÕve got a pretty laugh, Rei. I wish I heard it more.Ó Asuka pinned Rei with her bright blue eyes. ReiÕs cheeks turned rosy pink. Asuka became marginally aware that she was slowly leaning toward Rei. She quickly sat up straight, now blushing as well. The coffees arrived an instant later, and Asuka was thankful for the rescue. Rei sipped her coffee. ÒYou were saying that sorrow is a good emotional basisÉÓ ÒAh yes,Ó Asuka remembered. ÒSorrow works, but that seems to be just about all youÕve got here. There are many other emotions you can write about, like happiness, love, jealousyÉÓ She stopped talking when she noticed that Rei looked confused. ÒI canÕt write about those things,Ó the short-haired girl said. ÒI wouldnÕt know what I was talking about.Ó ÒReiÉÓ Asuka lunged and hugged Rei without warning. She blinked back her tears. ÒIÕm sorry, Rei,Ó she said simply. Rei had never been hugged, so she sat in her seat, looking lost. ÒWhy are you sorry? It is not your responsibility to-Ò Ò-Oh, rubbish! I shouldÕve cared more, even when we were just two pilots. But now that thatÕs over, now that IÕm calling myself your friend, I-I just feel so awful!Ó ÒAsukaÉÓ Rei had no idea what to say to her friend. She clumsily hugged Asuka back. For a few seconds, they stayed in near silence, holding each other, forgetting the existence of all else. Then Asuka released Rei. ÒWell, I can help you now,Ó Asuka sniffed. ÒI am going to show you what happiness is. You and I are going to have fun. Let me take you to the open market tomorrow.Ó ÒYou are inviting me to accompany you?Ó ÒYeah! Come on, say yes. You came here with me, right? You want to have fun with me, right?Ó Rei was thunderstruck. ÒI said I didnÕt know how to write about happiness-it was true a few minutes ago. But nowÉI thinkÉI think I feelÉglad. I feel happy, Asuka!Ó The long-haired redhead blushed and beamed. ÒSo youÕll come with me?Ó ÒYes, I will.Ó ÒAll right! And now that you know what happiness feels like, letÕs write a song about that.Ó ÒOkay,Ó Rei agreed. The two new friends wrote four songs over the course of the next couple of hours; chatting, laughing, discussing experiences and correct language to use in the lyrics. Rei was having a good time, and she knew it. She looked disappointed when Asuka peered up at the wall clock in agitation. ÒWhere has the time gone?Ó the blue-eyed girl asked rhetorically. ÒThis place is going to close in ten minutes. We ought to go, Rei. Come on, IÕll drive you home.Ó The girls talked idly on the trip back to ReiÕs apartment. Asuka pulled up near the buildingÕs front door. ÒWell, I guess IÕll see you tomorrow, Wonder Girl? HowÕs 10:00 sound?Ó ÒAsuka.Ó The tone of ReiÕs voice made Asuka shiver. She looked at Rei and found that it was hard to meet her eyes. Her mouth seemed reluctant to talk. Her mind was racing, but where it was going, Asuka wasnÕt sure. ÒYes?Ó she squeaked. ÒI had a great time. IÕve never had anyone pay me any attention before tonight.Ó Suddenly, her voice cracked, but she continued undaunted. ÒThanks to you, I learned what fun is. You donÕt know how much y-how much tonight meant to me.Ó Had Asuka heard correctly? Had Rei almost said, ÒÉhow much you mean to me?Ó She laughed off her friendÕs gratitude nervously. ÒIf I want to be your friend, IÕve got to act like it. And I will Rei. I promise I will.Ó ÒThank you. 10:00 then.Ó Rei got out of the car and slipped quickly into her building. Asuka watched a moment after the red-eyed girl had disappeared. She put the car in gear and headed for home, noticing that she was shaking slightly. It wasnÕt easy for Asuka to catch any rest that night. When she finally fell asleep, she had a strange dream. She stood between two beautiful ponds of shimmering, luminous red liquid. She dove into the right pond. The red liquid was soothing and warm: her worries rinsed away from her. She swam for a while, then tried the left pond. The red liquid was cool and exhilarating, inspiring her to do and live and dance and love. As she swam in the second pond, she noticed a channel that connected the two. She submerged and swam into the channel. This was where the two ponds met. Red met red, and produced an incredible light blue. This seemed natural to Asuka. The liquids combined, swirling through each other. While she was in this channel, she felt the combined power of the ponds, and it felt glorious, heavenly. She knew that she would have to leave the channel and take a breath, soon, but she hated the idea. Who decided that she needed to breathe, anyway? ÒYou can breathe here,Ó a soft voice whispered to Asuka. ÒYou donÕt have to leave, ever.Ó But IÕll drown, Asuka thought. ÒTrust me,Ó the voice urged. Asuka did. Onwards to Part 2