Neon Genesis Evangelion Higher Learning Strike Fiss, 2000 Twentieth Lesson: "Interviews" Something that Shinji never quite noticed during their practice sessions came to his mind as Asuka stood and bowed to the audience, readying her violin against her neck. When the hell did she have time to learn Parita III fur Violino Solo? It wasn't exactly a long piece...something that, to a skilled player, could be learned in a relatively short amount of time, compared to how long it took to practice Symphony 9 and the choruses to the other songs. Shinji had never bothered to keep it in mind, since he would not be playing this piece, he would be able to sit back and listen with the rest of the audience. The first sharp, crisp notes danced out across the room as she pulled the bow across the strings. It was a fast, almost 'dancing' song. Light and bouncy, yet the sound was also high and exact. Shinji found himself...and everyone else who knew Asuka (besides Gendo)...staring at her in amazement as she played the piece flawlessly. Behind them, Shinji glanced over to the screen and was surprised to see Toji's presentation playing. Scenes of desperation. Collaged together were images of some unknown girl at a hospital somewhere, trying to walk again and not giving up when she fell again and again. A blurry, but instantly recognizable scene against the Fourth Angel...as the view from inside Unit 01 showed them rushing towards either fate or death...progressive knife first. All the while, one could see the screaming face of Shinji Ikari as he piloted, even when the pain of the Angel's attack hit him. He would have thought NERV would have destroyed that footage, but leave it to Kensuke to be able to retrieve it from his erased data-disk. Mixed into the chaos, however, were also small scenes of peace...however small...that kept the whole thing from overwhelming the imagery. Oddly enough, it fit perfectly. But, halfway through the song, Shinji began to watch Asuka instead. As he hands danced across the instrument, at first, impressed with her skill. However, then he saw the look on her face. It was not an echo of the happy...if slightly odd...music. In fact, Shinji found her grim, concentrated look to be an almost perfect copy of the images on the screen. There was something more, though. Something just beneath the surface. A quiet, contemplative madness that showed through the music in angry pitches and drawing wines...at first just part of the song...but distinct now that he was listening to them. "No wonder she never needed to practice..." he thought to himself as he watched her with sad eyes. "This is her song..." Misato was beginning to think of an excuse to leave. The music and the show were great, but as Asuka was finishing up her song, and the clapping began, she could FEEL the Commander's glare. "I was not aware classified images of the entry plug were public knowledge, Major." he said as everyone gave their applause. "Oh boy..." Misato sighed to herself. Not far away, Kensuke and Toji sat. "That was really good!" the freckled of the two mentioned happily...glad his footage came to good use. Toji nodded and smiled slightly. "Yeah, I suppose so...kinda worked out." "Who was the girl?" Kensuke asked suddenly. "Who?" "The one in the hospital." Toji smiled and shook his head. "Oh, that's right...you've never met my sister." Kensuke blinked. "Oh...I'm sorry, man..." He shook his head. "Don't worry man...I wanted to have that footage." he shrugged and smiled. "Maybe now you'll all see why I'm such an asshole." Shinji leaned over to Asuka as the crowd was beginning to finish. "That was amazing, Asuka-chan!" She didn't turn back to look at him...probably lost in the moment of her song, but she did nod and he could see the corner of her mouth let a small smile escape. "Thanks, Shinji." He let it alone at that; but resolved to ask her later. Rei interrupted his thoughts. "We are ready for the next song." she said. The other players in their little orchestra all nodded, ready to provide backup. Luckily, this would be one song that they had all practiced. Kanon D-Dur. Asuka winked at Shinji, suddenly back to her old self. "You're lucky, you know. You only have to do the background harmonics." "Yeah, I guess." Shinji smiled. "Screw up and I'll kick your ass." she advised with an evil grin, before motioning to Kaoru that they were all ready. The Sensei smiled proudly and raised his baton, letting the song start at Shinji's digression. The cello started, playing long, sweet notes that rocked back and forth in a soothing manor that the instrument was famous for. As the screen flickered into life, and the violins joined in for the chorus, the audience all smiled. Images of classroom life. While some of the other songs explored the darker, odd meanings and feelings behind them, this song was so perfectly representative of a more happy mindset that it was no surprise for the choice of images to accompany it. As the instruments worked together in sync, each exchanging solos and backgrounds, all with the steady harmonic tempo of the cello behind them, one could really get the sense of togetherness that this group emanated. Shinji...a powerful presence, even though he always preferred to be in the background helping others. Asuka...often taking the lead with her precision and skill, but without the others, would be lost to her own perfectionist urges. Rei's violin was close behind...never stepping higher than was necessarily, but also closer to Asuka's than either would probably admit. It was together, however, that they all balanced out. Even if it was just for a few minutes of song. Misato found herself enjoying the music much more this time...even forgetting the strange cold air that was sitting next to her. She was proud of them. No...more than that. She was happy they were able to do this...have this chance at being the children they were. In a school concert instead of a battle. They were the stars of the show, instead of the tools of humanity. All too soon, the song was over, it's echo still reverberating as the crowd stood and applauded once more. Cheers and bright smiles were one in the same as the children, nervous, but excited, bowed and smiled. Even Rei...which was event in itself. "That was not a hard song." Gendo mentioned to himself. Misato, as she sat down, had to fight not to say anything that would probably get her fired. Sensei Kaoru turned and addressed the audience once more. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to be switching lead violins for this last group song of the evening. I would first, however, ask you all to give our amazing Miss Sohryu a big round of applause!" Asuka blushed and bowed as the entire crowd erupted in a wonderful chorus of clapping and whistles. As she sat back down, she smiled back at Shinji. "They know REAL talent when they see it. And I thought you Japanese didn't usually go to these kinds of concerts?" Shinji just shook his head and sighed. Rei stood on cue and nodded to the Sensei that she was ready. "Performing the lead on Air, I give you Miss Rei Ayanami!" The quartet of violins readied themselves for the next song. Air was a difficult piece to play...requiring a level of synchronization to sound nice, but also, the 'lead' had to effectively blend into the background so as not to sound too forced. By the end of the first chorus, however, it was clear they had succeeded. Everyone watched, stunned, as the mysterious Rei Ayanami played one of the most haunting, beautiful songs in existence. The multi-media screen showed scenes of stars and sky, but nobody was paying much attention to it. In fact, it was simply background for the music being played. Misato looked around to see some of the audience simply smiling, eyes closed, listening to every note. For once, brief moment, she could swear Gendo's face changed. The hard mask of dark mystery had melt away...if only for a moment... ...okay, it was about 2 seconds...but she swore she didn't imagine it. Rei seemed to be simply at one with the song. A soft smile was set on her face as she and the others played. Suddenly, the song was over...the last notes ending finally, reverberating in everyone's minds for a long, long moment of silence. Rei looked up to Kaoru, worried that she might have done something wrong. Kaoru just smiled and waited. Sure enough, the crowd began once more. A standing ovation unlike any other that night, instantly re-doubling in intensity and joy. Gendo Ikari even stood, clapped his reasonable amount of clapping, and then waited for the rest to die down. He was about to return to his seat when time slowed down... ...Rei Ayanami burst into the biggest smile she had ever known, and ran over and gave her Sensei a giant hug. He could almost see the Sensei's lips mouth: "I'm SO proud of you, Rei!" Misato didn't dare look at the Commander as she returned to her seat. The air next to her had turned deathly cold. Kaoru turned to the crowd with a bright smile. "Everyone! One more round of applause for these amazing young musicians!" he motioned for everyone to stand, and they did, bowing happily to the applause. Misato clapped in earnest as she saw her kids laughing and bowing. It really was great to see them like this. "Ahh, I'm glad I came." she said out loud...then almost choked, hoping Gendo hadn't heard it. She turned, ready to see his icy glare..... ...But he had already gone. She turned to the exits and saw his tall figure leaving through the door. "Oy...there's goinna be shit to pay..." she decided to herself. Then smiled. "And I got tomorrow off work! SCORE!" People around her began to edge away nervously. Kaoru interrupted further ranting by the Major with a tap of his conductor's baton on the edge of his music sheet. "And before you all scurry off to talk to myself and the other teachers about your children, we present to you the last song of the evening." He motioned to Shinji and the crowd settled down, waiting in expectation. "Mister Ikari will play for you, Suiten fur Violoncello. One of my personal favourites, and I'm sure his as well." he smiled and motioned for Shinji to take the centre seat. Shinji looked around nervously. "Sensei?" he whispered. Kaoru leaned forward. "What is it, Shinji?" he asked, keeping his voice down. "You said you'd be playing along with me?" the boy asked, nervously. "I lied." Kaoru smiled. "You'll do fine. Besides, it's a solo. We wouldn't want to disgrace the song, would we??" With a small nod, Shinji agreed. "Hai..." "Good-good." Kaoru nodded and turned to the crowd as Shinji took the seat and prepared his instrument. Asuka leaned over his shoulder suddenly. "Hey, Shinji...If you do this perfectly, I'll consider it your asking me out on a date." Shinji almost fell over. "A...Asuka?" She winked and nodded. "Don't disappoint me, Third." Then, she returned to her seat and waited ominously. The young Shinji Ikari just sighed. "No pressure, Shinji...no pressure..." Kaoru pocketed his baton and moved off the stage, knowing he wouldn't be needed. Shinji was forced to stare down the hundred-plus people who were waiting for him to begin. "I mustn't run away..." he whispered to himself. And then put his bow to the strings. Kaoru looked up with a tiny sigh as he saw Misato walk into the room. "Hey..." "Hey..." she nodded and echoed, walking over to his desk, eyeing the children's desks around them. It must have been three hours after the concert, but he had just finished with most of the interviews now. "That was a great show, by the way." "Thank the kids." he smiled and nodded, pretending to file papers to look busy. She laughed out loud. "You had to be their teacher." she groaned. "I'm never goinna live this down. I should have guessed or something." "Sorry about that." he nodded. "Don't be." Misato sighed, sitting down on his desk, legs crossed. "If anyone should be sorry, it's me." He turned slightly pink. "No, really, it's okay..." They were silent for a long time. Finally, Misato nodded, standing up again. "I better go before the kids think I'm in here trying to seduce you." she winked. He gave a weak nod and smiled. "It was nice seeing you again, Misato." "How about tomorrow?" "P...pardon?" "I'll pick you up. Around eight." she winked. "How does that sound." "I...I really shouldn't..." Kaoru replied nervously. "Seven-thirty, then?" she pressed, walking back over to him with a smile. "I have promised myself I'd make my bad behaviour up to you, so you're not getting rid of me." He swallowed hard. "Seven-thirty sounds great." "Good." she smiled then turned. "You can tell me how the kids are doing then. Ja!" The door closed and Kaoru sighed...then groaned to himself. "I'm getting too old for this..." His watch began to beep suddenly and he looked at it. "Oh shit...I'm goinna be late!" He rushed out the door, already calling for a cab on his cell phone. "I still can't believe Wondergirl got louder applause than I did." Asuka mumbled to herself as they walked home in the late evening sun. "She played very well." Shinji commented. "But if would have sounded horrible if you weren't playing to, Asuka-chan." "Don't Asuka-Chan me!" she crossed her arms in a huff. "Maybe I should rent you two a room so I don't have to hear how much you admired her performance." Wisely, Shinji decided not to say anything. "Just because we work with her, that's no excuse, Third Child." she leaned over his shoulder and growled into his ear. "You're no longer allowed to ogle over that doll." "I wasn't ogling!" Shinji defended, uselessly. "Hmph! BAAAAAD Rei..." "I swear! I was just impressed that she played so well!" "You were looking at her boobs!" Shinji almost fell over. "NO I WAS NOT!" "We may be going out now, and I may have to be nicer to you now..." Asuka whispered into his ear. "But if I see you looking at another girl, I'm raking you over the coals, buddy. You got that?" Shinji smiled at the realization that she said they were now, officially going out...then swallowed hard as the mental images of her dragging him across flames came into mind. "Hai-hai!" he agreed quickly. "Good. After all, you played so well, I would hate to have to rid the world of your talents!" Asuka smiled and quickly returned to his side, entwining herself around his arm. "So where should we go for our first date?" "Uhm...your choice?" Shinji shrugged. "Good boy." Asuka beamed. "I know this one place..." In an icy cold room, decorated by etchings and a small desk in the middle of the otherwise barren expanse, sat Gendo Ikari. He sat, as he always did, with his elbows on the desk. His gloved hands were folded in front of his lips, and his glasses were edged up on his nose. Unless one was able to approach and study the scene closely, Gendo Ikari could have been mistaken for an ice-sculpture. He barely breathed. His mind raced, though. And, with the first use of that breath in three hours, he muttered a single phrase. "This is not part of the prophecy..." End of part 2 ======================================================================= I'm late again. Gomen. Website trouble. I hate XOOM. At least Geocities only annoys me. Hate and annoyance are way different. I hope you all enjoyed the concert! I would also like to point out that you should all try to get a hold of these songs if you haven't heard them before. It's terribly hard to 'write' music, so to speak, and if you can listen along with the fic, it's probably going to be a lot nicer. WAI! Okay! Props go out to the wonderful Senie, who's kept me motivated even when I don't want to write. (you should all thank her, since I was thinking of delaying this Lesson till next month) And I would like to apologize for the reference to the foxes-comment near the end. (inside joke) It just seemed to fit so well! ^_^ Also, I'd like to thank ADV films for FINALLY releasing the Eva Collection 0:1 DVD. Nothing motivates better than watching Unit-01 going berserker against "Blinky" (aka, the third angel) and doing all that wonderful growley noises, flips, and jaw-open-crack-debris sequence...all in DVD digital crispiness! ^_^ And I ask them to PLEASE hurry up with disk 2 and up. I MUST HAVE EOE ON DVD!!!!!! More Waff, comedy, and spooooooooky drama in Part 3 of Higher Learning is planned. ^_^ Now that all this crap is out of the way, I can start to have LOOOOOTS of fun. Hehehe. You'll see what I mean in 2 or 3 Lessons. So, till then, I'll say farewell, thanks for reading, and yes, I know I'm late, I'm sorry, but get off my back before I sic Blinky on you. Grrr. ^_^ Ja! email: strikef@bigfoot.com homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/9110 Strike Fiss, Ninja Crowbotics 2000. Khattam-Shud, EOF.