Disclaimer: As always, Evangelion and any other source of inspiration used here don't belong to me. This is just for fun people, so no one sue!

Catch the Wind

Chapter 1

Will to Live

It would be so easy. So very easy. Jump. End it all. No more torment, no more pain. Nothing but the bliss of oblivion.

All these thoughts coursed through the mind of a rather average looking fourteen year old boy, as he stood on the edge of a cliff, beholding the chasm below. However, average would be the last word one would use to describe this little man. He was born with the ability to pilot the giant bio-mechanical entities know as Evangelion. Indeed, a blessing in most people's eyes. But to this young lad, a curse would be a more fitting description. By ironic twists of fate, almost every single person he's come into contact with after becoming a pilot has been hurt in one way or another. What's more, everyone he looked up to now saw him as a tool, nothing more. He could trade places with a dummy in the Eva's entry plug and they wouldn't even notice.

Useless. That's what he was. As a pilot, he was a failure, winning only by losing what little control he had over the machine's raw power. Misato confirmed that herself when she scolded him, and all but rejected him when he had run away. As a human... That line of thought wasn't even worth finishing. He was sure everyone would be better off without him around. Toji's hatred towards him would hopefully subside, and he'd be able to focus his attention on his wounded sister's recuperation. The memory of the small girl brought with it a fresh wave of guild. He and only he was responsible for her condition.

Now? He had nothing to go back to. He had officially been relieved of his duties at NERV. He was supposed to have been escorted to the train station, but he had other plans. Having eluded his guards once before, it was a simple matter to do it again. A hollow chuckle escaped his lips as he thought of what Section 2 was going to receive when Misato got word of this. But back to matters at hand. It had taken a little more time than expected to get back here, and nightfall had crept up without his noticing. But now, he was here, and ready.

So consumed by his thoughts, Shinji was oblivious to a pair of eyes watching him.

*section divide*

"YOU WHAT?"

Section 2 agents, trained in mortal combat, numerous weapons, ready to die in the line of duty, and yet they found themselves cowering like five year olds away from Misato's verbal onslaught.

She had driven as fast as she could to reach the train station in time, desperate to catch Shinji before he left. But once there, she was greeted with the almost comical sight of two Section 2 agents searching high and low for the missing pilot.

"Of all the incompetent, numb-skulled... gaaaaah! I don't care how many agents you deploy, I want him found! Notify me immediately when you locate him, and do not approach him before I do. If anything's happened to him, so help me I'll come after every single one of you! Have I made myself perfectly clear! Now get out of my sigh!"

Apparently agents in NERV's employ were also very capable runners. Besides, Misato's enraged visage provided more than enough incentive to get the heck out of there.

Misato indeed looked like she was going to explode. Approaching her at that moment would not be an advisable course of action. But her anger was just a way of concealing her own worries and anxiety. She of all people knew Shinji's current state of mind. Her previous conceptions of the boy were way off mark, and now the weight of that mistake was bearing down on her. All he ever did was care for people in his own unique way, even for her. But she had realized that too late. The way she had dismissed him after their last meeting... he must think she hates him. He thinks he's alone in the world now, and there's no telling what he might do.

'I have to find him. I can't leave it up to those idiots. He wa- is my responsibility. I took him in. God please help me find him.'

She started making her way back to her car, but was surprised to find others waiting for her there.

"You're Shinji's friends right? Suzuhara and Aida."

Toji, still somewhat smitten with the older woman, was practically standing in attention. "Hai! Toji Suzuhara and Kensuke Aida Ma'am!"

Misato could only sweatdrop at the boy's reaction. It's a good thing Kensuke could act a little more composed in front of authority figures. "Yes ma'am. We were wondering what happened to Shinji. We came to see him off today, and did manage to talk with him for a little while. But when we were done, he seemed..." Kensuke hesitated. He himself wasn't sure what to make of the pilot's last words. Toji, slightly sobered up by the tense topic, decided to pick up where his classmate left off. "After we talked and... settled a few things, he was being taken up to the train, but halfway up the stairs, he stopped. I thought he was going to make a break for it, but he just turned around, telling us to forget about him, that we'd be better off with him gone."

This news only served to augment whatever fears Misato had. Kensuke continued: "He looked weird when he was talking Misato-san. I've never seen him like that before. Well, except..." A slight nudge from Toji was required for him to finish. He just couldn't help himself. The thoughts forming in his mind were becoming frightening at an alarming rate. "I'm sure you were told he was camping out with me yesterday, right? Well, before he noticed I was there, he had that same look. I wasn't sure what to make of it then, and besides, since he was sitting with me, I kinda forgot about it and let it slide. But now... God I hope I'm wrong Misato-san, but the road he was on leads to the cliffs."

Then it hit her. All the pieces were laid down in front of her, but only at that second did they come together, all at once, and formed a picture that made the bottom fall out from her soul.

Bolting into the driver's seat of her car, she turned the ignition on and sped off, praying to whatever deity that was listening to help her make it in time.

Had it been any other day, the two boys would have been impressed with the show of automotive handling, not to mention the fact that Misato was the one behind the wheel. But today, all they could think about was the welfare of one Shinji Ikari.

*section divide*

He had been watching from his hiding spot for a while now. This area was a particular favorite for him, the view breathtaking, and the air currents amazing. Besides, he needed some alone time away from his siblings. But tonight, he came to find someone had beaten him here. A young boy was there, standing on the edge of the cliff. His first thought was to conceal himself. Being who and what he was, stealth and concealment were tools of the trade, not to mention necessities for survival. He was about to sneak away quietly, but the boy's manner made him linger. Something about him was disturbing. He looked as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders, an odd occurrence for one so young. His instincts were screaming at him to keep watch on this one. And if there's one thing he'd learned early on in his life, it was to always trust his instincts.

Almost as if to confirm his suspicions, the boy took one last step forward, falling into the abyss bellow. At that moment, rational thought took a back seat in his mind, leaving instincts to take over. And one of the most powerful drives his kind possessed was the need to protect. Crouching on all fours, he ran to the edge of the cliff, trying to build as much momentum as he could. Then, just as he reached the edge, he launched himself downward, towards the falling form.

*section divide*

Falling. So fast. The wind running against him. This is what he chose. He wanted to end it all. He deserved this fate. Everyone would only benefit from his demise. He just wanted the cycle of pain to stop, so he had cut it, the only way he knew how.

Running away. He was running away again. It's all he ever did. But what's so wrong about that? What's wrong with shutting out reality if there's nothing, no one waiting for you?

'Do you really believe that?'

Where did that thought come from? He must be losing the last of his sanity. It was said that people could see many things when they were about to die. Some see their lives flashing in an instant. Some see a long dark tunnel with a light at the end. Some even say they see God himself. For Shinji, it was something else altogether. He was seeing himself.

The fall, the ground catching up with him, the wind beating against him, it was all gone. He was standing in an immense black void, his only company, well, himself. Quite literally, someone who could pass off as his twin was standing in front of him. The lighting was odd, since wherever you stood, his eyes were always out of sight behind a shadow of hair. On the other hand, the grin he was wearing was very visible.

'So you honestly believe that no one wants you. That you're all alone.'

Shinji was slightly stunned at first, but quickly shook it off. He was dying, so he could humor this illusion.

"Of course I'm sure. Just look at what they said and did to me. I'm only causing them trouble and pain. All I'm ever getting is trouble and pain. That's why I jumped."

Just then, images started forming all around Shinji, displaying themselves like a slideshow to their viewers.

Misato, telling him in a cold voice to "Get in" before his first sortie into battle.

Toji punching him behind the school, and the look of complete hatred he wore during it all.

Kensuke telling him "His sister got hurt during that attack. Well, that's his excuse anyways..."

Himself screaming during the battle with the fourth angel, and then weeping when it was all over.

Misato screaming at him when he was brought back: "Cut that out! This has nothing to do with any of us! If you don't like it, get out of here! Completely forget all about Eva and us and go back to where you came from! We don't need someone with that attitude piloting."

Seeing all this again was too much for his already weary mind. All he could do was collapse onto his knees, trying to block out what he was hearing with his hands on his ears.

Throughout all this, his twin had remained silent. In truth, he was taking all this in, measuring what he was up against. Shinji was reliving his worst moments. These were what had compelled him to do the unthinkable. Now, it was up to him to take each one of them apart and repair the damage.

With a wave of his hand, the twin dissipated the images from around them. Shinji calmed slightly, but still remained huddled on the ground. Now was the time. One by one, new images started to appear around them both, but these were noticeably warmer to the heart.

Misato showing him the rising towers from the lookout spot. "This city is a fortress, designed to protect us against the Angels. This is Tokyo-3. This is our city. And it's the city that you saved."

When he first arrived with Misato to the apartment. "Shinji-kun, this is your home now!"

"Ta- Tadaima."

"Okaerinasai."

Late at night, when she thought he was sleeping. "You did a very good thing today. You should be proud of yourself. Good night, Shinji-kun. Hang in there."

Toji when he caught up with him in the station. "Ikari, I'm sorry I hit you twice. Please, hit me back! Please. Otherwise, I won't be satisfied." Most evident what the contented smile the jock wore after the deed was done, confirmed by his saying "And if anyone tries to blame you, I'm gonna give them a head butt!"

Seeing these new images and listening to what was being said, Shinji slowly got up. Indeed, the effect of these particular memories was formidable in repairing the damage. His twin followed suite: 'You see? Each and every one of them is here. If you feel you've hurt or wronged any of them, then see that they've clearly forgiven you. If you think you're useless, then look again. They need you. You're already a part of Misato-san's life, family even. And Kensuke and Toji have promised to stand up to protect your honor, with a head butt to boot!'

Hope slowly made its way into the third children's heart. He couldn't help it. His fears were being drowned out as soon as they tried to resurface. But his current reality came back to him, nearly crushing what little hope had amassed within him. "Why are you doing this? Why give me hope when it's too late? I'm going to die any moment now."

'You're not dead yet. As long as you draw breath, I guaranty you will always have a choice in your fate.'

"Choice? What choice is there? I'm falling off a cliff!"

His twin seemed almost pleased that Shinji asked that question. So he answered it with, of all things, another question.

'If you were given the choice again, live or die, right now, would you still pick death?'

How he had changed in so little time. Earlier, he was practically begging for the embrace of the grave. But now? His answer came out strong and sure.

"No! I want to see them again! All of them!"

His twin nodded once, seemingly satisfied with the answer. He then walked up to Shinji, and when he was facing him, he placed a hand on his chest. Just as the hand made contact, Shinji fell backward, only this time, no ground was there to support him. Of course, as he fell more, his twin faded from view, but he still made out one thing.

'You've saved yourself, and me as well. Now live!'

*section divide*

Shinji's eyes snapped open. He was back in his freefall. But now, his first thought was not of acceptance for death. Far from it. The last word he heard still echoed in his mind. 'Live!' So he yelled out, as if he was defying his sealed fate.

But his scream was almost chocked out into a gasp as he saw what was rapidly closing in on him. His eyes filled with what he was seeing. A massive figure. Glowing white eyes. Sharp claws reaching for him. And wings on its back. It wasn't human. But it was coming for him. It looked like the angel of death itself. In a second, it was within reach. This was it, he could feel its arms grabbing him. 'So I wasn't able to beat fate after all,' he thought bitterly. Imagine his surprise when he heard the creature speak.

"Hold on."

How to react to that, but to obey? Shinji quickly wrapped his arms around the creature's neck, and held on for dear life. His hold secure, he felt a sharp jolt. It had spread its wings. He could feel their momentum dissipating, enough for his savior to grab hold on a ledge on the cliff. Quickly jumping off, Shinji still had to practically glue his back to the cliff, since there wasn't enough footing for comfort. Sparing a glance at his neighbor, he found that he didn't share his fear of falling, since his talons were digging into the stone as if it were made of cloth. All he could do was stare silently. Then, it spoke again.

"You have nothing to fear from me young one. Though I am curious as to what possessed you to jump off. Flight was never you humans' strong point."

By this time, Shinji's breathing had slowed to a more subdued pace, as did his heart rate. So it was with some calm that he realized that this, whatever it was, was actually trying to joke with him. 'It did save my life. And if it wanted to hurt me, it would have already,' he reasoned. It's amazing how near-death experiences put things a little more into perspective. You make decisions with a little more drive, and you tend to second guess them a little less.

"Umm, as much as I want to answer you, do you think we could get off of here first?"

He blinked at that question. Hanging off walls and ledges was almost second nature to him, but it completely slipped his mind that his companion wasn't so fortunate.

"Ah… You do have a point there. Forgive me."

"Get us out of here and let's call it even. Why not go back up? Since you can fly..."

Shinji trailed off there, since all he received was a shake of the head. "I can't fly. I can only glide on currents of wind, and there are none here strong enough to lift us back up."

This didn't sound good to Shinji. "So we're stuck here?"

The creature just chuckled, and using its free arm, lifted Shinji onto its back. "Far from it. Hang on."

Shinji's surprise and curiosity were quickly answered as his savior started scaling the cliff by digging its talons into the rock, just as it had done earlier to stop their fall. The relative ease with which this task was accomplished left no doubt as to the strength of this being. This, along with the increasing altitude, made Shinji tense up slightly, a reaction not missed by the other. 'He is afraid. Perhaps even of me. This will not do.' Matching action to thought, it said: "Trust me. I will not let any harm come to you. I swear it."

Simple words. Honest words. Shinji found himself believing in them. His fear was indeed dissipating, but he didn't relax his hold on the creature's neck any; he didn't want a repeat performance of his dive. The rest of the climb was spent in silence.

Eventually, they made it back to solid ground, and not a moment too soon for the Third Child, as he jumped off at the first chance. This allowed him to finally get a good look at his rescuer. He now had confirmation that we wasn't hallucinating earlier. The wings were now draped around the shoulders in a cloak like manner, but they were still the first thing to catch the eye. They looked leathery in texture, very much like a bat's, and yet very strong. Standing in front of him, he was clearly more than twice his height, and built like a bull. He wore what looked like a loin cloth, held in place by a thick belt. Then he looked at the face for the first time. Dark skin, almost completely black, a white main of hair going down to mid-back, and dark brown eyes looking back at him. Oddly enough, if it weren't for the enlarged bow ridges over the eyes, it looked practically human. At that thought, Shinji kicked himself mentally. He had been referring to his savior as "it" for a while now. Even if it was only in his thoughts, it was wrong. He was going to start his usual string of apologies when he was beaten to the punch.

"I hope you won't hold it against me when I ask if you still hold the desire to jump."

"No no. I'm sorry. I assure you it won't happen again!"

Giving Shinji a smile and a nod, he continued: "Very good. But now, I would like to hold you to your promise earlier. I believe you owe me an explanation."

Shinji hesitated for a moment, but no more than that. If anyone deserved to know his reasons, it would be the one who saved his life. Nodding to himself, he started: "Well, I..."

He didn't have a chance to say any more, as they both turned to look at a fast approaching, and very familiar looking, blue sports car.

"Misato-san!" Shinji cried out. He was about to run to the car, when he remembered his companion. "She's here for me."

"I understand. But I must leave now. I must not be seen. Perhaps we will meet again young one, hopefully under better circumstances."

And with that, he leapt into the shrubbery, out of sight. Shinji just stood there, looking at where he was standing. By then, Misato had stopped the car, and was running towards him, the headlights of her car still on behind her. She thought she had seen a shadow near Shinji, but her state of mind made the matter unimportant, dismissing it quickly. He was here, he was alive, he was safe. That's all that mattered to her now. She stopped a few feet in front of him, breathing heavily.

There they were, face to face. Both were wondering similar things. What was going to happen now? How should I react? Misato, as an officer, would be well within her rights to toss Shinji in a cell and throw away the keys, but not before a serious verbal chew-out. As a guardian she could do pretty much the same thing, not to mention resisting the urge of throwing him off that cliff herself for what he made her go through. As she was slowly closing the last few steps between them, emotions were raging within the woman, pulling her in several directions at once. But in the end, the most unlikely side won. Dropping to her knees, she reached out and gently pulled him against her.

Shinji himself wasn't expecting it. He was secretly hoping for it, but never did he allow himself to believe that it would happen. So when it did, it broke every one of his defenses. His arms rose almost of their own accord around the woman, returning the embrace, tears threatening to flow.

He tried to talk. So much he wanted to tell her. But simple speech was proving to be too difficult. This was the first time there had been such a powerful, uninhibited show of emotion between them, and Shinji was simply overwhelmed by it all. "Misato-san, I... I..."

She interrupted him with a gentle voice. "Let's go home."

Too much had happened tonight. They were both spent, be it physically or emotionally. So all Shinji could do was say a weak but sincere "Hai" and follow his guardian to her car.

The drive home was quiet. There would be time enough for talk tomorrow. And as Shinji stared at the starry sky running above him from the window, he thought back to his brush with death, and the being to who he owed his life. 'And I didn't even thank him.'

Author's notes:

I hope it's become fairly obvious by now that this is an Evangelion/Gargoyles crossover fic. This chapter has been sitting on my hard drive for quite some time, in and out of reviews and rewrites. I've always wanted to write a crossover, but I never could find the right mix. I also wanted to do something original, and, well, this came out.

Gargoyles was one of my favorite series on TV, and it was the first show that brought me to fanfiction (followed eventually by Eva). It's been a while since I've delved in the garg universe, but I remember enough to hope this project will work out.

This fic was two clicks away from being a run-of-the-mill Phoenix Gate fic, but I changed my mind. That would be too unimaginative. With my current path, I have much more potential for development.

I plan to continue this story, but the chapters may be slow in coming, since I'm not sure where the story will go. I may make some characters OOC, but not too much, just enough to make them fit in my story. And I intend to follow the Eva continuity on this.

At any rate, please review. I'd like to hear any opinions and ideas you may have. And if you have any suggestions, mail me. I'm open to any constructive critics.

Until next time.