[Author's Notes: Considering I'm in the middle of changing this into
narrative format, I was going to wait before posting it. However, due
to the new changes on the FFML... Viva Fanfiction!]
"The first time I saw her, I knew, then and there that we were
destined. She with her family, I with my trainers...*sigh*... it was
meant to be." - Penelope Andreas Peno (Pen Pen)
------------------------------------
Sunlight spread out upon the face of the earth, awakening its billions
of peasants to a new day. Many people were already up and about on the
NGE set, particularly those who knew that the early bird gets the worm
and forgot that often said bird choked on said worm. They could also
be considered the cheery, feel-good type of folk that make you want to
do something uncouth with a rubber boot, two bottles of Coke, and a
live anaconda. Nevermind about the details.
Along with the happy-go-lucky troup, the documentary crew was up and
about early in the day, already finding prime footage for their shot.
So far they had gotten a few good shots of Shinji's trailer, which had
been kept in tip top condition. His rooms were nice and clean,
smelling like a mixture of lemons and pine. Near his dresser he had
carefully laid out today's costumes and props, ready for their first
use.
The crew's next stop was Rei's.. trailer, if it could be called such.
Shirts, bras, and panties strewn about all over the floor and table,
pop posters hung lopsided on the walls, and the girl herself, asleep on
the bed in a simple t-shirt, hugging her pillow, made the poor trailer
look more like a warzone than a home for such a peaceful actress. The
crew didn't mind, however, and took care to document every little nook
and cranny, paying special attention to Ayanami's, er, sleeping habits.
The moment was broken, however, when Rei began to show signs of waking.
Wisely the crew decided to leave, albiet quickly.
*CRASH* *BANG* "Ouch!" "SHH!!" *CREAK* *SLAM*
Rei merely rolled onto her side, moaning softly, "...Mm..Shinji..."
------------------------------------
Neon Genesis Evangelion:
BEHIND THE SCENES 02
Asuka Strikes!
Or
How I Got Over Being Shy And Learned To Love Hollywood!
(Some Spoilers)
------------------------------------
In other parts of the vast studio known as Gainax Soundstage #1, two
sinister figures were contemplating the fate of a lone, frail girl.
They whispered, they pointed, they even cackled once or twice, and
then, for one short moment, all was silent.
"It's not her."
"But, Director Anno, it -is-, I've gone over her file three times now."
"She just.. can't be! I refuse to believe it."
"Look at the picture, it's her I tell you!"
Anno looked his casting director straight in the eye. "That whimpering
child is -not- Asuka Sohryu Langley!"
"But, her picture is the same, she has auburn hair, and roughly the
same height, although I think they exaggerated her, um, figure."
Hideako sighed and shook his head. "They -always- exaggerate their
clients figures; take Lina Inverse for example."
"True, true..."
"Why do you even go through that company?" Seeing the ecchi look on
the casting director's face, Anno quickly skipped an answer. "Are you
sure her and Miss Ayanami's profiles weren't switched? I could've
sworn they had different auditions."
The smaller man squirmed under Anno's glare, trying to look anywhere
but at the director. "I suppose it's a possibility..."
The young girl in question chose that moment to interrupt their
conversation, albiet quietly, her eyes kept firmly on the ground.
"Um, excuse me, sirs... is this the correct studio for, um,
Evangelion?"
"Of course it is!" said the casting director, anxious to get her past
Anno and onto the set. "Welcome, Miss.. Langley?"
"Hai," Asuka replied softly, and bowed.
The casting director and Anno looked at each other, as giant sweatdrops
began to form over both heads. "Oy.."
- - -
On a typical day, the cast and crew of NGE would gather together around
8:00am for a breakfast buffet and pep talk. Generally the crowd would
take their seats, eat, and fall asleep somewhere in the first few
sentences of the director's speech. This day seemed no less different,
and already a good part of the extras were dozing away, when Anno began
to introduce the newest cast member.
"As you all know," the director began, "one of our actresses had a
slight delay in making it to the set. Now I know some things were
delayed slightly--"
"Slightly?! Because of her we had to switch scenes yesterday! Where
is that b****?"
Anno paused a moment, small beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Um,
Miss Langley is now here, so we can continue on filming!"
With that, he pushed a very nervous Asuka forward to meet her new film
partners.
"Um...gomen nasai, I'm.. Asuka Sohryu Langley. If.. if it matters, I
brought some cookies for everyone..."
The room was silent for a moment as the chins of all nearby dropped
open. Then, as one, everybody starting talking.
"-She's- Asuka?"
"No way! She's not even remotely fit for the part!"
"She is kinda cute though..." *SMACK*
At another table, Shinji watched the proceedings with rapt attention,
while Rei fought between falling asleep and staring at her dream guy.
She always thought she'd fall for a tall, dark, and handsome man, but
why be picky when this hunk was on stage?
SHINJI: Do you think she'll fit in here?
REI: ...Wha? Who?
SHINJI: That girl up there, Asuka!
REI: What girl? Where? *getting a little jealous*
SHINJI: Up front! *points with his fork*
REI: Oh... that's Asuka?
SHINJI: Looks like it.
REI: Wow... I'd have thought she would be completely different. *she
lets out an inward sigh of relief: the chances of that little girl
stealing Shinji were one in a million*
SHINJI: She's kinda cute though, ya know?
REI: *Sweatdrops*
*Cut to interview with Asuka*
ASUKA: *waves shyly towards the camera, blushing slightly*
*Asuka Sohryu Langley, Age: 16; On The Set Of NGE*
CREW: Welcome to the NGE set, Miss Langley. Is this your first
experience with film?
ASUKA: Thank you; I-I've been in a few things before, but nothing...
nothing like this.
CREW: What's your take on the character you're about to play?
ASUKA: My.. my take? I-I don't really know... *quietly* She's a lot
different from me... well, except for one thing...
CREW: What would that similiarity be?
ASUKA: I said that outloud?? *she begins to turn as crimson as her
hair* I-I didn't really.. I mean..
CREW: It's okay...
ASUKA: Well... I... I think that my character kinda...
CREW: Yeah?
ASUKA: she... kinda has this... crush... on Shinji
CREW: And...
ASUKA: *now deep red* And, well um... so do I... *She suddenly looks
around, afraid of who might be watching* Don't tell anyone, please?
I'm begging you!
CREW: Our lips our sealed.
- - -
*Cut to the soundstage where the director and his crew are hurrying to
prepare for the next scene. Unfortunately, things begin to go awry
with the cameramen*
THE DIRECTOR: Lower the top camera! It needs to be at a 90 degree angle!
CAMERAMAN ONE: But sir, it can't go any lower or the fastenings will
have to be loosened!
THE DIRECTOR: It doesn't matter, move it!
CAMERAMAN ONE: If you say so...
He loosens the screws holding the camera in place, allowing for it to
lean further down.
CAMERAMAN ONE: How's this?
THE DIRECTOR: Perfect!
The camera wobbles for a second, before breaking free of its screws and
crashing to the set floor.
CAMERAMAN ONE: You were saying..?
As the director begins a nearly endless stream of curses, most of which
had to be bleeped by the editing department, Ayanami Rei arrives on the
stage, making a beeline for the director as soon as she sees the
damage.
REI: So, um, Anno, can we get today off? I mean, since the camera's
shot...
THE DIRECTOR: Certainly not! We have plenty of other cameras we can
use; in fact, you're probably in the next shoot, so go get ready.
REI: But.. I was kind of hoping...
THE DIRECTOR: *sigh* Miss Ayanami, this is a film shoot. You're paid
to work here, not do whatever you want.
REI: I know... I just thought maybe you and I had started something...
I guess I was hoping you'd want another round of -exercise-.
THE DIRECTOR: *reddening* Well, I suppose we could make a small
exception today. But meet me in my trailer later tonight and we'll
discuss how you can repay me.
REI: Oh, thank you so so much! I'll be back later! Luv ya!
THE DIRECTOR: *whistling to himself* I'm too sexy for my shirt, too
sexy for my shirt...
*Cut to Rei and Maya off to one side of the set*
REI: Hey, Maya, wanna do a little shopping?
MAYA: Oh wow! Like, did Anno say we could go??
REI: Yep! Just took a little female persuasion. *wink*
MAYA: Then what're we waitin for, let's get movin!
REI: Hold on a sec there, why not ask Asuka if she wants to go?
MAYA: The new girl? Why? She's obviously really snobbish, playing
her little 'humble' part over there.
REI: Aw, she's not that bad. Besides, it'd be fun to play dress-up
with a shy type, ya know?
MAYA: Okay... if you say so. Whatev.
Rei looks over the set for a moment before spotting the girl in
question. She walks over to where Asuka is sitting, and takes a seat
opposite her.
REI: Hey there, you're Asuka, aren't you?
ASUKA: *Quietly* Y-yes, I am.
REI: Pleased to meet ya, my name's Ayanami, Rei Ayanami. The girl over
there is my friend Maya Ibuki. How'd you like to go to the mall with
us?
ASUKA: Don't we have to film today? I thought...
REI: No worries, girl, it's all taken care of. Come on, what'dya say?
ASUKA: Well.. I don't know...
REI: It'll be fun! I can just picture you in some new duds that would
look -so- awesome on your bod. Live a little!
ASUKA: Okay...
REI: Great! My ride's parked right out front, the light blue BMW Z3.
Can't miss it!
MAYA: You really like that car, don't ya?
REI: You're just jealous. *She flashes a big, knowing grin*
ASUKA: Um... but there's only two seats...
REI: Ah, no problem! Just sit on Maya's lap!
ASUKA: but..
MAYA: *eyeing Asuka up and down* Yeah, don't worry about a thing!
- - -
Downtown Tokyo is one of best places to go shopping, with stores up and
down every street, holding everything you could possibly want or
imagine. For a group of teenage girls, it holds a sort of awe or
respect. Unfortunately, NGE is being filmed in Osaka.
MAYA: Where the hell is the mall?!
REI: *Calmly driving, around 120kph, down the streets of the city*
Geez May, don't get so uptight. We'll find it eventually.
ASUKA: *In a quiet voice* I think we passed it a minute ago...
REI: Wha?? Why didn't you yell to stop the car or somethin!
ASUKA: Er, well...
REI: *sigh* Don't worry about it, we'll just find a place to turn
around, and head back. *Jerks the car around sharply, doing a nice 180
in the middle of traffic*
MAYA: HOLY SHNICKIES! Are you trying to get us killed?!
REI: Hmph, I thought that was as good a place as any.
MAYA: There was a friggen NO-U-TURN sign there!
REI: That's just for pedestrians.
MAYA: *sweatdrops* Er, how long have you been driving?
REI: I just got my learner's permit a week ago, why?
ASUKA: Could.. could we go back to the set now?
- - -
*Cut to Mall interior, where the group is currently looking in store
after store, trying to find the best clothes and accessories*
MAYA: *holding up a halter top* Hey, this would look sweet on ya, Rei!
Why not try it out?
REI: Um, olive isn't exactly my color.. Can you find one in red?
Smaller size, too.
MAYA: But.. if you go to a smaller size, wouldn't it be a little too...
REI: Suggestive?
MAYA: *simply nods*
REI: That's the idea, girl, that -is- the idea.
MAYA: Ah, my mistake. Who's the lucky person?
ASUKA: Er, you mean lucky guy?
MAYA: Hey, we don't know her preference. So who is it Rei?
REI: Well, actually...
MAYA: ..Yeah? You can tell us!! Come on, dish!
REI: *blushing* I-I'd have to say...
MAYA & ASUKA: Yes..?
REI: Shinji Ikari.
MAYA & ASUKA: Ikari?!
MAYA: *thinking* But.. I was sure she liked me!
ASUKA: *thinking* But.. I was hoping he liked me!
REI: What? It's that big of a surprise?
MAYA & ASUKA: *sweatdrop*
- - -
*Cut to the NGE studio lot, where Shinji is practicing his lines*
SHINJI: Ah-AH-AACHOOO! *rubs nose* Man, that's the fifth time today!
Must be allergies or something...
- - -
*Cut back to the mall. Rei is trying on her new outfit while her
friends wait outside*
MAYA: *pulls Asuka to the side* I'm starting to get worried about Rei.
She shouldn't fall for a guy like Shinji when she deserves so much
better!
ASUKA: Um...
MAYA: We've got to help her or there's no telling what will happen!
ASUKA: D-Don't you think y-you're going a little overboard?
MAYA: No, can't you see? If she falls for Shinji, then I don't stand a
chance! Er, I mean, she doesn't stand a chance against his evil plots!
ASUKA: Evil.. plots?
MAYA: YES! *sigh* Do you want to see them living together?
ASUKA: Well, um, not exactly...
MAYA: Then we need to come up with a plan of action. I say we stick
together on this and break them up before things get worse.
ASUKA: O-Okay..
REI: *from behind them* Hey guys, how do I look?
MAYA & ASUKA: AAAGHH!
REI: Darn, I knew I should've gone with the red top...
*Cut to later in the day, as the three girls are walking through the
mall*
ASUKA: Um.. so, Rei.. you.. you really like.. Shinji?
REI: *sigh* How could I not? He's like, such a bishounen!
MAYA: Geez girl, he's already got that much control over you?
REI: What control?
MAYA: You're wrapped around his cute little finger, aren't ya?
REI: More like his cute tight...er, nevermind
MAYA: Hopeless, girl, HOPE-LESS.
REI: Why so?
MAYA: Can't you see? He's playing you! Get you to notice him, play
shy and cute, get you in bed, and drop you like a bag of--
REI: I get the point, Maya, but I don't think so. He's a cool guy,
not one of the slobs back in highschool. You agree with me, don't you
Asuka?
ASUKA: Um, well...
REI: Come on! Do you or don't you?
ASUKA: I... I don't like confrontations!
REI: I see how it is. You guys are jealous, aren't ya? That's what
it is!
MAYA: Er, NO!
REI: Yeah, right. Don't worry girls, who knows? Maybe I'll let ya
have a piece of him when I'm finished.
ASUKA: Really?
MAYA: *elbowing Asuka in the ribs* Shut up, let's go already.
REI: Yes, lets.
*Fade to Black*
- - -
The plot thickens.
I am currently changing this into narrative, obviously, due to the
amount of requests to kill the script style. The third chapter (which
I've started) is being written completely in narrative, and once it's
finished I'll go back and re-write the first chapter.
Thank you to my pre-readers, particularly those who actually gave me a
lot of feedback on this chapter. I really appreciate it! I wanted to
send it out to you guys first, but with the unknown future of the FFML,
I sent it straight out.
C&C are very welcome and would be begged for except that I know
I haven't given C&C often enough to deserve it.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the rights to NGE or am affiliated in any way
with Gainax. None of these characterizations are true representations
ofthe actors/actresses involved. Don't sue, please. Has anyone ever been
sued for fanfiction?
- OnFire4jc
Ludicrous Configuration! Productions
http://mslcp.cjb.net